Opponent: Anaheim Angels
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: Safeco Field
TV: Fox Sports Net
Radio: KOMO (1000 AM)
Pitchers: Seattle left-hander Jamie Moyer (6-11, 5.09 earned run average) vs. right-hander Aaron Sele (8-3, 5.01).
Another fresh face
The Mariners solved their need for a third catcher by calling up Rene Rivera, a 21-year-old who is one of the organization’s top catching prospects.
When Rivera gets into a game, he will become the 15th player to make his major league debut with the Mariners this season, extending the team record.
“See, we’re breaking records,” manager Bob Melvin said.
Melvin said the Mariners saw Rivera as their future behind the plate until the team acquired Miguel Olivo in a July trade.
“He was considered the next guy,” Melvin said. “He’s a really, really good catch-and-throw guy and I think the offense is going to come along. He’s a hard worker, an energetic guy, an enthusiastic guy. In spring training, he’s a joy to have around. He wants to catch everybody in the bullpen and really wants to get into those games.”
The Mariners drafted Rivera in the second round in 2001, and he began his career that year with the Everett AquaSox. He also played in Everett in 2002.
This year, he batted .235 in 107 games with the Class A Inland Empire 66ers, whose season ended Tuesday in a 5-4 loss to Lancaster in the California League playoffs.
Rivera, 21, learned after the game that he was coming up to the Mariners and will play with his hero from native Puerto Rico, Edgar Martinez.
“This is one of my dreams,” he said. “When I signed with the Mariners, I wanted to play with Edgar.”
Mateo ready, Nageotte not: Relief pitcher Julio Mateo, who threw a simulated game Tuesday, felt good Wednesday and may come off the disabled list today, Melvin said. Mateo has been on the DL since July 29 because of tendinitis in his right elbow.
Right-hander Clint Nageotte, on the DL since Aug. 28 because of back spasms, isn’t so close. He also pitched Tuesday and reported soreness in his back when he arrived at the ballpark Wednesday.
“We may give him another day and see where we’re at, see if we need to give him another bullpen or another situational game,” Melvin said.
Kirby Arnold, Herald Writer
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