M’S Suspect Scott Came As Damaged Goods New Pitcher Put On Disabled List; Espinoza Receives Walking Papers

The Seattle Mariners are unhappy with the Colorado Rockies and may take their complaint to the American League.

They suspect the Rockies put right-hander Tim Scott on waivers knowing he was injured, a major league no-no.

On Sunday, the Mariners had to put Scott - picked up on waivers from the Rockies this week - on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore elbow.

“Hopefully, he’s OK,” general manager Woody Woodward said. “If not, we’ll have to call the league and do something.”

Woodward added: “What it boils down to is: No. 1, if he’s healthy, the claim is fine; No. 2, if he’s not healthy, you’re not able to put someone on waivers. And a month ago, he was fine.”

Manager Lou Piniella also was upset with the Rockies.

“I think the best solution to this is to send him (Scott) back to Colorado, but it’s not my decision,” Piniella said. “If you are hurt, you can’t pitch.”

Scott, 30, said he told the Rockies about his ailing elbow two weeks ago.

“They pretty much didn’t think it was a big concern,” he said.

Scott tried to throw in the bullpen Sunday.

“I was in pain,” he said. “It was barking. Something is causing an inflammation in there.”

The Mariners activated right-hander Mike Maddux from the 15-day disabled list to take Scott’s place.

The Mariners also gave infielder Alvaro Espinoza his unconditional release to make room for right-hander Bob Wolcott, who was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. Wolcott will start in Oakland tonight. Espinoza, 35, filled in when regular shortstop Alex Rodriguez was on the disabled list June 12-26.