Johjima is back, Burke may be gone

Tonight’s lineup has been posted and, to no surprise, Kenji Johjima is back at catcher.

Johjima’s return from the disabled list not only has cost Jamie Burke his place on the team, it could end his time with the Mariners. In order to make roster room for Johjima, the Mariners designated Burke for assignment. It means they have 10 days to trade, release or send him to the minors. He’d have to clear the waiver process in order to stay in the Mariners’ system. If a team has a need for an experienced backup catcher, he might be gone.

“If not, I’ll be happy playing with this organization,” Burke said.

Tonight’s lineup also is missing Ken Griffey Jr., with Mike Sweeney batting third at DH. Manager Don Wakamatsu said Griffey is OK, and that tonight’s lineup is an opportunity to bat Sweeney against a left-hander (A’s starter Dana Eveland). Griffey will start tonight.

Left-hander Jason Vargas is here, having been called up from Class AAA Tacoma to replace right-hander Roy Corcoran, who is on the DL because of a strained neck.

Here’s the Mariners’ lineup:

Ichiro Suzuki, right field

Endy Chavez, left field

Mike Sweeney, DH

Adrian Beltre, third base

Russell Branyan, first base

Jose Lopez, second base

Kenji Johjima, catcher

Franklin Gutierrez, center field

Yuniesky Betancourt, shortstop