In an effort to reload the bullpen with fresh arms after needing the bullpen to log 10.0 innings over the past two games, the Mariners selected RHP Matt Festa from Double-A Arkansas on prior to Saturday’s matchup with the Colorado Rockies, optioning RHP Christian Bergman back to Tacoma after providing a spot start on Friday.
Festa, 25, burst onto the scene last season by posting 12.8 K/9 and a 3.01 xFIP for High-A Modesto. The Staten Island-native was rewarded with a trip to the Arizona Fall League, where he continued to post impressive strikeout numbers (11 in 8.