Mariners' Harry Ford: Joining Seattle as insurance
Rotowire
Ford will join the Mariners in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, though it's not certain that he'll be officially called up to the big-league roster, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
Ford could end up simply spending some time on the taxi squad rather than getting his first big-league call-up, but he may be needed on the Mariners roster if Mitch Garver, who exited Thursday's game against Minnesota after being hit in the jaw by a foul ball, needs to go on the IL. Ford is one of baseball's top catching prospects and has shined with Triple-A Tacoma this season, posting a .311/.426/.469 slash line with eight homers, 43 RBI and three stolen bases over 60 games. If he does get officially promoted, Ford would probably log just a few starts per week, primarily on days when Cal Raleigh is given a break from catching duties.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: Raking for Rainiers
Rotowire
Ford is slashing .313/.427/.490 with eight home runs, three steals and a 17.2 percent strikeout rate in 50 games for Triple-A Tacoma.
The 5-foot-10 catcher has only attempted five steals after swiping 35 bases in 116 games at Double-A a year ago, but otherwise he's having his best season to date. If the Mariners want to be buyers at the deadline, Ford could be on the move, but as things stand he's blocked by Cal Raleigh in Seattle and is not yet on the 40-man roster.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: Returns to action with Arkansas
Rotowire
Ford (concussion) took a full game's worth of plate appearances as the designated hitter in Double-A Arkansas' win over Midland on Sunday, going 1-for-4 with a run.
Ford was returning to action from the 7-day IL after being placed in concussion protocol due to taking a ball off his facemask July 25. The promising prospect should be able to resume catching duties at any point and sports a .247 average and .740 OPS across his first 83 games at the Double-A level this season.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: Recovering well from concussion
Rotowire
Ford is feeling "100 percent" following his concussion and will begin going through protocols to return to action with Double-A Arkansas, MLB.com reports.
Ford took a foul ball off his facemask July 25 and was diagnosed with a concussion the following day. If his recovery continues without setbacks, Ford could conceivably be deemed ready to suit back up for the Travelers in a matter of days.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
Ford was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Mariners on Monday.
Ford is an ultra-talented 20-year-old catcher considered by most to be the best prospect in the Mariners' system. He went 2-for-4 with three walks in seven plate appearances during Cactus League play while also slugging a couple home runs for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic. Ford might not wind up sticking at catcher, but Seattle intends to continue grooming at the position for now.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: Strong first full pro season
Rotowire
Ford appeared in 104 games for Single-A Modesto in 2022 and batted .274/.425/.438 with 11 home runs, 23 steals and an 88:115 BB:K.
The 2021 first-rounder impressed all year with his plate discipline and baserunning, though he did fall a bit short in the power department. Ford started the season cold, hitting just .196 over his first 38 games, but from June 12 through the end of the campaign, he put up a sparkling .320/.459/.530 line. Look for the 19-year-old backstop to open next season with High-A Everett.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: On fire in Single-A
Rotowire
Ford has hit .344/.463/.580 with four homers, eight steals and a 24:37 BB:K across his last 34 games for Single-A Modesto.
He opened the season ice cold, so Ford's season-long line still looks good but not great at .266/.412/.423. Nonetheless, the 19-year-old's recent production is far more reflective of the potential he brings to the table. With growing pop and good speed, Ford offers the promise of a tantalizing fantasy package at the catcher position. He's most likely a few years away, though, with his timeline depending on whether the Mariners remain inclined to keep him behind the plate.
