Per MLB transactions, the Mariners optioned 1B/DH Jesus Montero to AAA Tacoma, a move that will enable them to summon OF Michael Saunders for the start of a three-game series with the Cleveland Indians Friday night at Safeco Field.
Saunders has been on the disabled list since June 11 with joint inflammation, causing him to miss 15 games. Saunders departed a June 8 game with Tampa Bay with a sore right shoulder. In five games with Tacoma since the injury, Saunders hit .450 with a home run and seven RBIs.
In 52 games with the Mariners, Saunders hit .265 with four home runs and 23 RBIs.
Recalled from Tacoma June 12, Montero hit a go-ahead, two-run home run against San Diego June 17, his first long ball in more than a year. In five games, Montero it .286 (4×14).
The Mariners, who had Thursday off, start RHP Chris Young (6-4, 3.23) against the Indians, opposite RHP Trevor Bauer (2-3, 4.40).
