(1090 The Fan) – Hours after making a historic signing by extending ace Felix Hernandez, the Seattle Mariners have made their deal to lefty Joe Saunders official.

On Friday, Seattle agreed to a one-year deal with the prolific ground ball inducer — the contract details are not available, but there will be a mutual option for 2014.

Saunders, 31, was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks in late August last season to the Baltimore Orioles where he improved his play, posting a 3.63 ERA in seven starts after going 6-10 with a 4.22 ERA for the Diamondbacks.

A highlight on Saunders’ resume is his track record at Safeco Field. During his time as an Angel, Saunders went 6-0 with a 2.13 ERA in nine starts in Seattle.

With the signing becoming official, however, the M’s had to make room on their 40-man roster. With that, utility man, Mike Carp (a fan favorite), was designated for assignment. The club has ten days to trade release or outright Carp to the minor leagues. Carp, who could very well make a 25-man roster on a Major League team, will more than likely not accept a minor league assignment.

-Chris Coyle, 1090 The Fan

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