Detroit Tigers The
Detroit Tigers selected Wells in the 14th round, with the 420th overall selection of the
2005 Major League Baseball draft. The Tigers promoted Wells to the major leagues on May 14, 2010, replacing pitcher
Alfredo Figaro. Wells returned to Toledo on May 21 but was recalled to Detroit on August 23 in place of
Enrique González.
Seattle Mariners On July 30, 2011, Wells was traded to the
Seattle Mariners along with LHP
Charlie Furbush, prospect Francisco Martínez and a player to be named later (
Chance Ruffin) for
Doug Fister and
David Pauley. Wells had early success at Seattle. He was able to put together a continuous streak of 4 games where he had a
home run in each from August 13 through 16, 2011. The streak was halted when he was hit by a pitch in the nose by
Brandon Morrow. In the second-half of 2011, he
batted .216/.310/.431 with the Mariners. Wells was
designated for assignment by the Mariners on March 31, 2013. The
Toronto Blue Jays claimed him off waivers on April 10. Toronto designated him for assignment on April 15 without appearing in a game to make room on the 40-man roster for
Ramón Ortiz.
Oakland Athletics Wells was traded to the
Oakland Athletics on April 22, 2013 for cash. He was added to the active roster when second baseman
Scott Sizemore re-
tore his ACL. Wells was designated for assignment on April 28 when
Yoenis Céspedes returned from the disabled list. Wells started only twice for the Athletics, one in left field and one as the designated hitter.
Chicago White Sox On April 29, 2013, Wells was traded to the
Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. In 38 games for Chicago, he batted .167/.225/.182 with no home runs and one RBI.
Philadelphia Phillies On August 8, 2013, Wells was claimed off waivers by the
Philadelphia Phillies. On August 24, after starting the night in right field, Wells pitched in the 18th inning of a game against the
Arizona Diamondbacks, making him a position player to have pitched in both leagues in the same year. He was the losing pitcher, tabbed with a 27.08 ERA after giving up 5 runs to the Diamondbacks. Wells was also 0-for-7 batting that night. Wells appeared as a pinch runner the following day, but on August 27, he was placed on the disabled list with dry eye syndrome as a result of
lasik surgery on his eyes. Wells returned to action for one at-bat as a pinch hitter in late September, in what was to be his final major league appearance. Wells was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A
Lehigh Valley IronPigs on October 16. He elected free agency the following day.
Chicago Cubs On November 20, 2013, Wells signed a minor league contract with the
Chicago Cubs. On May 19, 2014, Wells joined the Chicago's Triple-A affiliate, the
Iowa Cubs, following extended spring training. In 26 games for Iowa, he batted .197/.290/.230 with no home runs or RBI, and eight walks. Wells was released by the Cubs organization on June 25.
Bridgeport Bluefish On July 18, 2014, Wells signed with the
Bridgeport Bluefish of the
Atlantic League. In 49 games for Bridgeport, he slashed .267/.338/.358 with two home runs, 19 RBI, and three stolen bases.
Detroit Tigers (second stint) On February 21, 2015, the
Detroit Tigers signed Wells to a minor league contract. In 15 games for the Double-A
Erie SeaWolves, he hit .209/.292/.326 with one home run and six RBI. Wells was released by the Tigers organization on May 1. ==References==