Madritsch called up in lieu of Bocachica

More help from the farm: Tacoma Rainiers manager Dan Rohn called Bobby Madritsch into his office late Tuesday night, flashed a stern look and delivered some bad news.

“I got a phone call from the league,” Rohn told Madritsch, who knew exactly what that meant. Madritsch had hit a Fresno batter earlier this month in a game that had gotten a little too frisky, and he thought he might be fined.

Rohn continued: “They told me you can’t pitch tomorrow.”

Madritsch, in the midst of his postgame meal, slammed down his fork and fumed.

Then Rohn came clean: “You’re on a flight to Seattle at 10 in the morning.”

The Mariners, badly needing a pitcher after their bullpen had been worn down the previous two games, called up the 28-year-old left-hander and had him available Wednesday behind starter Travis Blackley.

He made his major league debut in the 10th inning and picked up the victory when Bucky Jacobsen ended the game with a homer later that inning.

Madritsch was 5-2 with a 3.75 ERA in Tacoma this season, limited to 12 starts because of six weeks on the disabled list with a fractured rib. He was scheduled to start for the Rainiers on Wednesday at Portland.

“I don’t really care how they use me, starting or in the bullpen,” he said. “I’m just happy to be here.”

It will be the bullpen for now, although manager Bob Melvin said the M’s hope to use him as a starter eventually.

Hiram Bocachica, an outfielder who had played well in limited use, became the victim of the need for pitching and was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Madritsch. The Mariners, who have 10 days to trade, assign to the minors or release Bocachica, would love to see him clear waivers and stay in the organization.

Melvin said Bocachica, who was devastated after being sent down during the final week of spring training, took this one hard, too.

“He’s a guy I like, but we just needed a pitcher,” Melvin said.