Taijuan Walker will be recalled from AAA Tacoma and given the start against the New York Mets at Safeco Field Wednesday night when the clubs conclude a three-game series. Walker, who has been the subject of trade rumors, specifically as part of a package to Tampa Bay for utility man Ben Zobrist or David Price, or both, has made two starts for Seattle.
He defeated the Houston Astros June 30 at Minute Maid Park 10-4, allowing five hits over six innings. He lost his second start, 1-0, July 6 at Chicago, pitching four innings.
The Mariners sent Walker to AAA Tacoma prior to the All-Star break. With the Rainiers this season, Walker is 4-1 with a 3.76 ERA. Walker will contest New York’s Bartolo Colon (8-8, 4.12) in the series finale.
Earlier Tuesday, the Mariners recalled Erasmo Ramirez from the Rainers. He will pitch Tuesday night opposite RHP Jacob deGrom (3-5, 3.18) as the Mariners attempt to take two in a row from the Mets. To make room for Ramirez on the roster, the Mariners shipped Justin Smoak to Tacoma.
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