Mariners send Montgomery to Cubs for 2 prospects

SEATTLE — Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto says Wednesday’s swap of Mike Montgomery to the Cubs isn’t a sign of selling this year as the non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches, but rather getting the best deal for a hot player in order to help his franchise for this season and beyond with the addition of Minor League prospects Dan Vogelbach and Paul Blackburn.

Seattle also sent Triple-A starter Jordan Pries to the Cubs in the four-player deal.

“The attraction here was getting younger and deeper and really starting to fill some positions of critical needs for us moving forward,” Dipoto said after Wednesday’s 6-5 walk-off win over the White Sox.

The Mariners see Vogelbach as a Major League-ready hitter with a big upside, while Blackburn is a former first-round compensation pick who could challenge for a rotation spot as soon as next year. Vogelbach will report to Triple-A Tacoma, but Dipoto indicated he’s not far from joining the big-league club.

“I feel the left-hand offense that Dan Vogelbach brings at some point in 2016, and for years beyond, was too appealing to pass up,” Dipoto said. “He has a chance to have a real impact in the middle of an order. He rakes everywhere he’s been.”

Dipoto felt he was dealing from a position of strength in moving …

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