The Mariners Saturday recalled RHP Rob Whalen from AAA Tacoma and, to make room on the club’s 25-man MLB roster, optioned LHP Zac Curtis to AA Arkansas. Whalen was available for the 2:05 p.m. PT game against the Rangers Saturday at Globe Life Park.
Whalen, 23, is in his third stint with Seattle this season (also May 6 and May 24-28). He’s appeared in one game, taking the loss as the starting pitcher May 27 at Boston. He has seven starts with Tacoma, going 0-4, 5.08.
The Mariners acquired Whalen, along with RHP Max Povse, from the Atlanta Braves for OF Alex Jackson and a player to be chosen Nov. 23.
The Mariners recalled Curtis, 24, from Arkansas prior to Friday night’s game. He worked three innings and allowed three runs. He spent the majority of this season with Arkansas.
The Mariners (33-36), who lost 10-4 Friday to Texas (33-33) when starter James Paxton couldn’t get out of the fourth inning before giving up seven runs, will start RHP Yovani Gallardo (3-6, 6.11) vs. Texas LHP Martin Perez (2-6, 4.56).