Seattle signs RHP Steve Cishek to 2-year deal

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners' offseason makeover continued Monday with the club signing right-handed reliever Steve Cishek to a two-year contract with the opportunity to end up as the team's closer.

Cishek, 29, split last season with Miami and St. Louis and appeared in 59 games combined for the two teams.

The sidearm-throwing righty has experience as a closer with the Marlins, converting 34 saves in 2013 and 38 saves in 2014. Seattle's closer position is unsettled after the team traded Carson Smith and Tom Wilhelmsen as part of its offseason roster changes. Cishek and Joaquin Benoit are the likely candidates for the position heading into spring training.

Seattle designated for assignment left-handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Cishek.