The Mariners Sunday recalled INF/OF Shawn O’Malley from AAA Tacoma and optioned INF Luis Sardinas to the Rainiers. The 28-year-old O’Malley, who appeared at second base, shortstop and in both left and right field in Tacoma, will start in center Sunday afternoon when Seattle closes out a three-game series against the L.A. Angels at Safeco Field.
Before the game, manager Scott Servais said Sardinas wasn’t getting enough playing time behind SS Ketel Marte, and O’Malley can start or back up at multiple positions.
O’Malley hit .317 with 15 runs, five doubles, one triple, one home run, 13 RBIs and five stolen bases in 25 games with Tacoma. In 24 games with Seattle in 2015, O’Malley hit .262 with 10 runs, one double, one home run, seven RBIs and three stolen bases.
O’Malley made his Mariners debut Sept. 2 at Houston, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. A native of Richland, O’Malley is one of 35 players born or raised in the state of Washington to appear with the Mariners.
Sardiñas, 22, hit .154 in 12 games (six starts) with the Mariners after making the Opening Day roster. Sardiñas appeared at second base, first base, third base, shortstop and in left field. Sardiñas hit his first MLB home run in his Mariners debut April 5 at Texas.
The Mariners will try to snap a two-game losing streak to the Angels Sunday. RHP Felix Hernandez (3-2, 2.27) will start for Seattle opposite LHP Hector Santiago (2-2, 4.07).