Flurry Leaves Pirkl Up, Suzuki Down
The Seattle Mariners, a team that used 22 pitchers and 40 players in the 85-game first half of the season, opened their post-All-Star second half with a flurry of roster moves Thursday - with more on the way.
First baseman Greg Pirkl and left-handed reliever Tim Davis joined the team, right-handed pitcher Makoto Suzuki was optioned to Tacoma and outfielder Manny Martinez was claimed on waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Pirkl took the spot that was expected to be filled by Ricky Jordan, but when Jordan began his minorleague rehabilitation assignment, back spasms stopped him cold and he returned to Seattle for treatment.
Davis, who was supposed to make two or three rehab appearances, made one and was activated.
Suzuki, called up last week from Class AA, was assigned to Class AAA and will be a starting pitcher for Tacoma. He’ll join another Rainiers newcomer in the rotation: the Mariners signed former Cubs pitcher Jose Guzman, a 33-year-old right-hander released by Chicago.
There was more.
Ken Griffey Jr. took his first live batting practice since breaking a bone in his right wrist June 20.
“He looked good; he’s just got to get a little stronger,” manager Lou Piniella said. “I think he’ll be back with us in a week.”
Randy Johnson threw 40 pitches from the mound and will throw again Saturday. On Monday in Oakland, he’ll pitch a simulated game - his most strenuous test since a bulging disk sidelined him May 12.
The moves were so sudden they caught many of the players by surprise. Suzuki was dressed and being interviewed by Japanese media and Pirkl was called at 4 p.m. after flying home from the Pacific Coast League All-Star game.
“I’m not even sure what time zone I’m in,” Pirkl said upon arrival. But he was beaming was he saw he was in the starting lineup.
“He’s going to play against left-handed pitching,” Piniella said. “He’s had a solid season in Tacoma and we’re going to give him a chance.”
Pirkl was batting .302 with 21 home runs and 75 RBIs in 88 games. Davis had been on the disabled list since May 27, when he broke his left leg.
A Charlton guaranteed to deliver
Closer Norm Charlton, unavailable most of last week because of a tender left shoulder, threw on the sideline before the game Thursday and was cleared to pitch tonight if there was no resulting tenderness. Biggest news for Charlton involved his wife, Nancy.
He left his Texas ranch early Thursday and flew to Seattle. While he was in the air, Nancy took a pregnancy test - and it was positive. Charlton walked into the Mariners clubhouse and found pink and blue balloons in his locker and a note from his wife. After years of trying, the child will be their first.