M’s activate Reitsma, designate Davis for assignment

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Seattle Mariners activated right-hander Chris Reitsma from the 15-disabled list Friday and designated righty Jason Davis for assignment.

Reitsma has been on the disabled list twice since May 19 because of right elbow inflammation. He made two appearances between the stints before going back on the DL on June 11.

Reitsma had pitched well before the injury with a 0-1 record and 2.87 ERA through his first 15 outings. He gave up seven runs in three innings in three outings after that has a 5.79 ERA for the season. He will be slotted back into the setup role for the Mariners.

“He’s a veteran. He can throw the breaking ball behind in the count,” manager John McLaren said. “He has closed before so I think it’s a good role for him.”

Davis was 2-0 with a 6.31 ERA in 16 relief appearances since being acquired from Cleveland on May 13.

The Mariners have 10 days to trade, release or send Davis to the minors. McLaren hopes they will be able to keep the 6-foot-6 pitcher in the organization.

“He’s a kid with a high ceiling,” McLaren said. “Like I told him, my experience has been that tall pitchers take longer to come with so many moving parts and so many things that can break down. I think he will figure it out one day and be a productive major league pitcher. He has a really good arm.”