Mariners activate LF Ben Gamel from the disabled list, option RHP Dan Altavilla to AAA Tacoma
After giving up 7 ER (2 HR) in 3 appearances while only getting 10 outs in the first 10 games (17.18 ERA), The Mariners have optioned reliever Dan Altavilla to AAA Tacoma. To correspond with this move, the 5-6 Mariners have activated LF Ben Gamel from his rehab assignment and will be ready for the game on April 11 against the Royals.
Altavilla started the year throwing two scoreless innings in his first appearance against the Giants on April 3, but the wheels came off in his two appearances that followed. Getting shelled hasn’t always been an issue for Altavilla, as it’s mostly been poor control that has let him down before. However, he’s only walked two guys this year compared to 4 strikeouts, so his command hasn’t been his biggest downfall this season. With Gamel ready to be activated, Seattle thought giving Dan some pressure-free innings in AAA wouldn’t hurt, as he could regain his confidence and maybe come back up at some point later in the season. Casey Lawrence was the most likely candidate to be optioned for Gamel but he has impressed and has been quality while eating innings in meaningless blowout games so far this season.
In 6 rehab games with AAA Tacoma, Gamel hit .423 (11-26) with 3 2B, 2 HR and 7 RBI. He also walked twice, while only striking out twice as well. He seems ready to come back to Seattle and contribute right away.
For now, Gamel will assume the full-time LF job from Ichiro. However, Guillermo Heredia will still be the 4th OF, and Ichiro will take over duties at LF/RF occasionally, while mostly contributing off the bench as a pinch runner or pinch hitter late in games. The bullpen goes down to 7 men after starting the season with 8, but guys like Nick Vincent (3.2 scoreless IP to start the year) should be able to handle the extra workload.
C Mike Zunino is still trying to fine his stroke in Tacoma, so he’ll probably taker another a week or so to get comfortable before he returns to Seattle. He’s expected to be 100% after this upcoming home stand (3 vs. OAK, 4 vs. HOU) so he’ll likely miss another 7 games at least.
SP Erasmo Ramirez is also trying to find a groove in Tacoma after starting a rehab assignment there shortly after the season started. He’s only made one start in Tacoma so far, so he’ll likely have to wait another 2-3 weeks before he’s ready to return to Seattle. With the Mariners about to have to find a 5th starter, they were hoping Erasmo would be back in time to slot right into that spot, but it’ll likely go to either Casey Lawrence or Wade LeBlanc, who are both already on the 25-man roster.
