The Mariners Monday recalled LHP J.A. Happ from High A Bakersfield and optioned 1B/DH Jesus Montero back to AAA Tacoma. Happ will start Monday at Comerica Park when Seattle begins a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers.
Happ, 32, is 4-5 with a 4.14 ERA (44 ER, 95.2 IP) in 17 starts this season. He was optioned to Bakersfield over the All-Star break, in order to create a roster spot for Montero. Happ did not pitch at Bakersfield.
He recorded a no-decision in his last start July 8 against the Tigers, allowing seven hits and four runs in four-plus innings. He has a run support average of 3.57 this season (38 runs of support), ninth-lowest in the American League. Of his 17 starts, nine have been one-run games.
Montero, 25, appeared in five games with after being recalled July 9. He hit .300 with one run and one RBI and walked three times while striking out once. All of his plate appearances came against left-handed pitching. Montero had two hits Sunday in Seattle’s 2-1 loss at Yankee Stadium.
With Tacoma, Montero was named a Pacific Coast League All-Star and was leading the league in hits (113), runs scored (57), total bases (180) and RBI (68) when he was recalled.
In 84 games,he hit .332 with 12 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, 68 RBIs and a .899 OPS. Montero played 70 games at first base, recording a .992 fielding percentage. He also saw action in 14 games as the designated hitter.
Monday’s first pitch is 4:08 p.m., PT. The Mariners are 42-50 and nine games behind the LA Angels in the AL West.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2206330 https://sportspressnw.wpengine.com/?p=2206330">1 Comment
Montero should be in the majors with the M’s. Lose Morrison, keep Trumbo. Play Montero at catcher, DH, 1b. He can hit.