Mariners closer J.J. Putz came off the disabled list today, as expected. Left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith was optioned to Class AAA Tacoma, a surprise.
Putz, on the DL since June 12 because of a hyperextended right elbow, has thrown well in two minor league rehab outings and, according to manager Jim Riggleman, will ease his way back into the closer role.
The intriguing side of the move is Rowland-Smith, who has pitched well in every role the Mariners have asked — relief and starting. Roy Corcoran or Cesar Jimenez seemed more logical bets to be sent back to Tacoma, but the Mariners have a plan with Rowland-Smith.
Rather than leave him in the uncertain world of long relief and spot starts at the major league level, they’re sending him to Tacoma strictly as a starter. He’ll work every five days and build up his pitch count.
You can count on him being back with the Mariners, and my guess is sooner before it’s later. The trade deadline is 11 days away and considerable speculation has focused on starter Jarrod Washburn.
“I doubt very much that it will be all the way to September before we see him again,” Riggleman said of Rowland-Smith.
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