Mariners’ Noesi shuts down Rockies

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Seattle pitcher Hector Noesi might be more than just the other guy in the New York Yankees-Mariner trade that sent Michael Pineda to the Bronx.

Noesi pitched seven-hit, one-run ball Wednesday over seven innings – his longest outing of the spring – as Seattle finished its Cactus League schedule with a 7-2 victory over Colorado.

Noesi will slide into the No. 3 spot in the Mariners’ rotation.

“Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect – but I thought he was very poised out there,” Seattle manager Eric Wedge said. “He showed us he can be very competitive at this level. I think to some he might have exceeded expectations.”

Noesi started two games late in 2011 for the Yankees before he was part of the December trade that sent him to Seattle with standout catching prospect Jesus Montero for pitchers Pineda and Jose Campos.

Against the Rockies, the 25-year old right-hander was in near complete control only twice allowing two runners in an inning. He walked none and struck out three.

“I felt great out there,” Noesi said. “My game is not a strikeout game, I don’t try for that. I’m OK if they hit the ball.”

Moves

The M’s optioned left-handed pitcher Charlie Furbush and outfielder Carlos Peguero to Triple-A Tacoma to reach the 25-man roster limit. … By optioning Peguero, the Mariners have chosen to keep infielder Alex Liddi on the roster for now. Peguero hit .294 with five homers and 13 RBIs during spring training, while Liddi hit .370 with seven doubles and 11 RBIs. … The M’s will go through a second opening day on Friday when they play at Oakland.