Mariners activate carp from DL, call up Trayvon Robinson

With yesterday’s big news that the Mariners traded Ichiro Suzuki to the Yankees for a pair of minor league pitchers, and not as big news that first baseman Justin Smoak is heading to Tacoma, the Mariners had two spots to fill on their 25-man roster. They did so today by activating Mike Carp off the disabled list, a move Eric Wedge said was coming, and by recalling outfielder Trayvon Robinson from Tacoma.

Carp, who came up as an outfielder, has been working at first base during his rehab stint, and will get the start there tonight as the Mariners face the Yankee. Robinson hit .265 with 50 runs scored, 18 doubles, 2 triples, 9 home runs and 41 RBI in Tacoma this season, but his call-up likely has more to do with his defensive versatility and speed than it does his bat. With Suzuki gone and Franklin Gutierrez still recovering from a concussion, the Mariners were a bit thin in the outfield, and lack a great option in center field if Saunders needs a day off, though Casper Wells is capable of playing center.