Emiliano

Fruto

Fruto had given up seven runs in nine innings since being recalled a month ago. He’ll be back in September.

Fruto allowed one hit in 4 2/3 scoreless innings for the Mariners last month. He’ll resume working in middle relief and should be an upgrade from Sean Green.

Fruto allowed one hit and walked three in 4 2/3 scoreless innings for Seattle. It might have made more sense to send down Sean Green.

With Eddie Guardado hurting and most everyone else tired, the Mariners needed a fresh arm. Fruto has given up five runs in 10 innings.

Fruto has given up five runs in 10 innings for the Mariners this season. He’ll pitch in middle relief.

Fruto had to make it through most of the NL on waivers to go to Arizona, but it appears that has happened. Carter wasn’t on the Diamondbacks’ 40-man roster, so there were no waiver issues there. He’ll likely join the Red Sox in September, and Fruto could be a part of Arizona’s pen next month.

The Nats got Fruto and Chris Snelling from the Mariners for Jose Vidro over the winter. Snelling later went to Oakland for Ryan Langerhans, who was just designated for assignment, so the Nationals essentially received Wily Mo Pena for Vidro, an arrangement we still expect to work out for them. Fruto was 3-9 with a 5.26 ERA, 78 H and 68/59 K/BB in 87 1/3 IP for Triple-A Columbus. The idea of moving him back to the rotation in Triple-A seemed like a good one, but since it hasn’t worked out, the Diamondbacks likely will shift him back to the pen at some point. He has a big-time arm and could eventually settle in as a setup man.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for David Eckstein. Fruto, who was acquired from the Nationals for Chris Carter a year ago, had a 5.26 ERA in four starts and 45 relief appearances for Triple-A Tucson. He struck out 102 and walked 59 in 89 innings, which provides a pretty good description of the kind of pitcher he is. If ever harnesses his stuff, he could contribute.

Fruto has a 5.68 ERA and a 1.95 WHIP in 19 innings of relief for the Mariners this season. He might get too much work in close games because of the injuries to the club’s bullpen.

Fruto’s stock has plummeted over the past two seasons, but he could resurface as a long reliever this summer. Cruz has raised some eyebrows with his ability to hit the upper nineties on his fastball.