Emilio Pagan’s reward for four scoreless innings in Tuesday’s 10-1 loss to Washington was a return ticket Wednesday to Triple-A Tacoma.
The Mariners replaced Pagan by recalling right-hander Rob Whalen from the Rainiers in their latest move to keep fresh arms in a bullpen that must support an injury-depleted rotation.
It is the second such recall this season for Whalen, who spent one day — May 5 — in the majors before getting sent back to Tacoma without appearing in a game. He will serve as a long reliever.
The Mariners acquired Whalen, 23, from Atlanta with pitcher Max Povse in a Nov.