Mariners recall former Guardians outfielder who could end up becoming Seattle folk hero

For 14 games earlier this season, Stuart Fairchild provided the Guardians with some middling production. While he drew walks at an extremely high clip (.407 on-base percentage), he went just 3-for-19 at the plate and always seemed to come up short in the biggest moments.

It may not have been on the same level as Myles Straw six years ago, but it was close.

Now Fairchild's going to get a chance to try to turn his big league career around in the Pacific Northwest, as the Mariners recalled him from Triple-A earlier today in place of injured outfielder Luke Raley, who hit the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain.

Although Fairchild didn't show much during his time with the Guardians, there's a clear path for him to make a positive impression with the Mariners given he has a good eye, decent speed and can play all three outfield positions. Plus he's from the Seattle area, which should give him a bit of a leg up with the fanbase.

In fact, there's a very real possibility that Fairchild could play a part in the Mariners breaking the Guardians hearts over the next two months since both teams are jockeying for position in the soft middle of the American League.

Stuart Fairchild could break the Guardians' hearts down the stretch

While all of that may seem hyperbolic for a player of Fairchild's pedigree, every season provides us with plenty of examples of fourth outfielders who end up becoming folk heroes because of a cople hot months.

The best thing the Mariners can do with Fairchild is put him in positions to succeed, whether it be as a pinch-runner, defensive replacement or left matchup killer.

Fairchild signed a minor league deal with the Mariners at the end of June after the Guardians replaced him to make room for Cooper Ingle, and he's posted a .262/.415/.643 slashline with three home runs and six RBI to go along with three doubles and two triples.

A small (minor-league) sample size, but still a good indicator that he can be a solid producer.

He could also get more playing time for the Mariners depending on what they do with Randy Arozarena at the trade deadline.

Earlier today the Seattle Times Ryan Divish and Adam Jude reported that Seattle is listening on offers for the three-time All-Star who is set to be a free agent after that season.

Even if that doesn't mean a deal is immient, it means they're at least considering the possibility, which could thrust Fairchild into more a spotlight.

Still, the Guardians were right to cut bait with Fairchild considering he did next to nothing at the big league level, and was only the roster for as long as he was because of the team's plethora of outfield injuries.

Even if the first experiment of putting Ingle in the outfield didn't work out, getting rid of Fairchild was still the right move, especially since they added Blake Perkins to the mix earlier today.

But all that doesn't take away from the (slim) chance that Fairchild ends up playing a huge factor for the Mariners in the final two months as they chase down the Guardians in the Wild Card standings.

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