As expected, the Mariners Monday recalled LHP Roenis Elias from AAA Tacoma and farmed OF James Jones back to the Rainiers. Elias is starting Monday night when Seattle begins a three-game series in Philadelphia against the Phillies. Seattle (67-56) has a half-game lead over Detroit in the AL wild card race.
Elias, 26, made one start for Tacoma Aug. 13 in New Orleans, tossing five no-hit innings while striking out six after being optioned to the minors after earning the win on Aug. 7 vs. the White Sox. Off-days in the Mariners schedule eliminated a need for a fifth starter, and the Mariners are attempting to keep his innings down in his first major league season.
The left-hander is 9-9 with a 4.14 ERA (62 ER, 134.2 IP) in 23 starts. Among major league rookie pitchers, Elias ranks T2nd in games started (23), second in innings (134.2) and fourth in strikeouts.
Jones, 25, has hit .256 (75×293) with 39 runs, eight doubles, four triples, nine RBI with 20 stolen bases in 21 attempts in 83 games over three stints with the Mariners this season. In his most recent eight-game stint with Tacoma, he was hitting .257 (9×35) with five runs, two doubles, two triples and four RBI. In 28 games with the Rainiers this season, he has hit .296 (34×115) with five doubles, three triples, two home runs, 12 RBI and five stolen bases.
Elias is facing RHP Jerome Williams (0-0, 3.38) in the first game of the series.