The Mariners Tuesday recalled OF Nori Aoki from AAA Tacoma and added him to the roster for Tuesday night’s game against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Seattle optioned the 34-year-old Aoki to the Rainiers Aug. 26, where he was 4-for-12 with a homer and three RBIs.
Prior to being optioned, Aoki hit .316 with 11 runs, five RBIs and a .362 on-base percentage in 31 games with Seattle after being recalled July 20. He hit .369 in 16 previous games with Tacoma. Before being optioned to Tacoma June 24, Aoki hit .245 with 36 runs, eight doubles, three triples, one home run and 11 RBIs in 67 games with Seattle.
The Mariners (70-67) and Rangers play the second of four games Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. LHP James Paxton (4-5, 3.83) will throw for Seattle opposite LHP Martin Perez (9-10, 4.30).
The Mariners are 11.5 games back of the Rangers in the AL West race and five back of Detroit and Baltimore (both 75-62) for the second wild card spot. Kansas City, the New York Yankees and Houston Astros are ahead of Seattle for the second wild card.
