Seattle Mariners signing Justin Upton

BOSTON – To increase their lineup, Seattle Mariners veteran slugger Justin Upton signed a one-year contract on Saturday.

Upton, a four-time All-Star, was released by the Los Angeles Angels on April 8 on its way into the final season of a $ 106 million, five-year guaranteed contract. Seattle only has to pay him a proportionate share of the $ 700,000 minimum requirement in the major league.

The 34-year-old Upton hit .211 with 17 homeruns, 41 RBIs and a .705 OPS in 89 games for the Angels last season.

The top pick in the 2005 amateur draft, Upton is a .262 career hitter with 324 homers, 1,000 RBIs, 151 stolen bases and a .814 OPS in 15 major league seasons with Arizona, Atlanta, San Diego, Detroit and Angels. He has won three Silver Slugger Awards.

The outfielder will report for extended spring training with the Mariners in Peoria, Arizona. When he’s ready, Upton could be a candidate to close a gap to Seattle at the designated batsman.

The team could also use help in the away field, where Mitch Haniger is on the sidelines with a high ankle sprain, and newcomer Jesse Winker has struggled on the plate. The outspoken young Jarred Kelenic fell badly before being demoted to the minors.

To make room for Upton on the 40-man roster, right-hander Adrian Sampson was named to task Saturday after the 6-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

The 30-year-old Sampson was demanded exemptions by Seattle from the Chicago Cubs and selected for Triple-A Tacoma. He did not get into a game with the Rainiers.