SEATTLE — The Mariners selected young right-hander Matt Brash to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday with plans to move him to a bullpen role for the remainder of the season.
Seattle manager Scott Servais said the team believes Brash can best contribute to the big league club this year. He made no commitment to exonerating Brash in the long term.
“I definitely think he’s a guy who can help us win games this year. I just think there’s probably the greatest chance of influencing our team if he can adapt to the bullpen and come out and help us there multiple days in a week rather than just one day a week,” Servais said .
Brash, who turns 24 next week, was 1-3 with a 7.65 ERA in five starts. He gave up six runs in two innings against Miami last Friday, and on Wednesday he lasted just three innings, giving up six hits and four runs in a loss to Houston.
Seattle hasn’t announced who will take Brash’s place in the rotation, but top pick George Kirby could be the Mariners’ best option among the minors.
Along with Brash, the Mariners also put right-hander Matt Festa on the 15-day injured list with elbow tendonitis. Right-hander Riley O’Brien was recalled and left-hander Danny Young was selected by Tacoma.
Seattle also earmarked left-hander Nick Margevicius and direct right-hander Matt Koch for Tacoma after clearing waivers.