The Mariners Friday recalled LHP Lucas Luetge from AAA Tacoma to take the roster spot vacated by LHP Roenis Elias, who was optioned to the Rainiers following Thursday night’s 13-3 blowout win over the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field. Luetge will be available when Seattle and the White Sox play the second of a four-game series.
Luetge, 27, has made four appearances with the Mariners over three stints this season. In 33 games with the Rainiers, he is 3-1 with two saves and a 3.38 ERA (19 ER, 50.2 IP).
The Mariners optioned Elias, 25, to Tacoma after he earned the win Thursday against the White Sox. The left-hander is 9-9 with a 4.14 ERA (62 ER, 134.2 IP) in 23 starts during his rookie season. Elias leads all MLB rookie pitchers in games started (23), innings pitched (134.2) and ranks 3rd with 122 strikeouts.
The Mariners shipped Elias out largely to give him a short break. He will probably make a four-to-five-inning start for Tacoma and then return to the Mariners when the club plays in Philadelphia starting Aug. 18.
The Mariners are trying to keep Elias’s innings at a minimum. He’s already worked 135 this year compared to 130 last season.
Hisashi Iwakuma (9-6, 2.94) will throw for the Mariners opposite LHP Jose Quintana (6-7, 3.04). Seattle is 3-0 on the current nine-game home stand.