Per Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times), the Tampa Bay Rays have dealt OF/DH Denard Span and closer Alex Colome to the Seattle Mariners for a pair or minor leaguers. Topkin writes:
The Rays made a major trade Friday afternoon, sending All-Star closer Alex Colome and OF Denard Span to the Mariners.
The return is two minor-leaguers, RHP Andrew Moore and RHP Tommy Romero.
Span, a Tampa product, was enjoying a successful start to his season and enjoying playing and living at home. He was hitting .238 with four homers and a a team-high matching 28 RBI.
Colome has had an inconsistent season, going 2-5, 4.15 converting 11 of 13 saves.
The Rays also made a deal with Oakland to acquire RHP Wilmer Font.
Span exceeded expectations with the Rays, although both he and Colome were destined to be dealt at some point. This, however, is earlier than expected, and it sure seems like the front office is now counting on better production from fellow outfielder Carlos Gomez. No other roster moves, to fill their vacated spots, have been announced.
It is thought that the Rays could veer toward a closer by committee type of situation, although it also could be argued that both Jośe Alvarado and Johnny Venters are two options to fill the hole left in Colome’s wake. The move also allows Johnny Field to stay on the 25-man roster indefinitely, although they now need a player to fill in until Gomez returns.
We will have more on the moves as the story unfolds.