Seattle Mariners Midseason Grades: The Infielders

Jul 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) catches a ball in foul territory against the Oakland Athletics in the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Jesus Sucre – 29 PA, .038/.038/.038, -93 wRC+, -0.5 WAR

Sucre hasn’t played much, and he would’ve played even less if the M’s had been successful in their attempts to replace him. He’s been the worst hitter imaginable so far. Jon Lester bad. But hey, he’s always got a smile on his face! Or something. Grade: F

Welington Castillo – 28 PA, .160/.179/.160, -0.4 WAR

It seemed like such a good idea at the time – go get a capable backstop to split time with Mike Zunino. Castillo fit the bill, and he came (relatively) cheap due to his poor start with the Cubs. But the M’s threw in the towel after a brief, crappy sample. Castillo has been excellent for Arizona since the (second) trade. Mark Trumbo has been a disaster for Seattle. Go figure. Grade: D-

Mike Zunino – 277 PA, .160/.222/.292, 45 wRC+, -0.3 WAR

Not a lot of people foresaw a big step back for Mike Z this year, but sure enough that’s what we’re seeing. He’s still an elite defender, but his offense is now so nonexistent that it hardly matters. Consider his draft pedigree. This is his floor. Even considering that he’s just 24 years young, this is about the worst play anyone could’ve expected from him. He really, really needed more time in the minors. Grade: D-