Mariners sign right-handed reliever Ryan Cook to a one-year contract

The Mariners’ opening on their 40-man roster didn’t remain vacant for long Thursday. A few hours after releasing right-handed reliever Anthony Bass so he could pursue a contract in Japan, general manager Jerry Dipoto filled Bass’ spot by signing right-handed reliever Ryan Cook to a one-year contract.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Ryan in a Mariners uniform,” Dipoto said in a statement. “He remains just 28 years old and is just one season removed from being one of the more effective setup relievers in the American League. His presence enhances both our bullpen depth and overall upside.”

Mariners fans might remember Cook as a hard-throwing set-up reliever with the A’s in past seasons.

He battled injuries the past two seasons, including ongoing forearm discomfort. He could not find consistency because of the injuries and spent much of the year at Class AAA Nashville, appearing in 30 games and posting a 4.05 ERA. He made four appearances with the A’s, giving up five runs in 4 1/3 innings. He was traded to Boston at midseason and made  appearances with the Red Sox, giving up 13 runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Still, Cook has had extended periods of success, and the Mariners hope he can return to that level.  With a mid-90s fastball and a biting slider, Cook was brilliant in his first two full seasons in Oakland. In 2012, he appeared in 71 games, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.09 ERA and 14 saves. He struck out 80 batters in 73 1/3 innings and was a member of the American League All-Star team.  Cook came back in 2013 and appeared in 71 games, posting a 6-4 record with two saves and a 2.54 ERA, striking out 67 batters in 67 1/3 innings.

Despite injuries in 2014, Cook still appeared in 54 games, going 1-3 with a 3.42 ERA, striking out 50 in 50 innings.

Dipoto has some familiarity with Cook. He was with the Diamondbacks when they selected Cook in the 27th round of the 2008 draft.