SEATTLE — Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez, as expected, will be recalled Sunday from Triple-A Tacoma to make, effectively, a spot start when the Seattle Mariners conclude their four-game series against Chicago at Safeco Field.
The Mariners created the need for a extra starter by realigning their rotation to get their top three pitchers — Felix Hernandez, Chris Young and Hisashi Iwakuma — positioned for the upcoming series against Toronto.
Ramirez, 24, opened the season in the big-league rotation but has spent much of the year shuttling between the Mariners and the minors. He is 1-5 with a 4.35 ERA in 12 big-league starts.
“He threw the ball well (last time up),” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “Hopefully, he has that type of command again. If he does, we have a good chance of winning the game.”
The Mariners must make a corresponding move Sunday to clear roster space for Ramirez. They are expected to option lefty reliever Lucas Luetge, recalled Friday, back to Tacoma.
Plans call for Ramirez to make just one start before returning to Tacoma. An open date Thursday means the Mariners won’t need a fifth starter until Aug. 19 at Philadelphia.
McClendon previously said lefty Roenis Elias will be recalled for the games against the Phillies.
Elias was optioned to Tacoma after last Thursday’s start in order to skip a turn in the rotation. The move was designed to limit his innings; he is already at 1342/3 after pitching just 130 last season in the minors.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
