Someone has to go: It’s Kelley

Everyone and their Felix Hernandez bobblehead were at Safeco Field on Friday to watch Cliff Lee’s first start as a Seattle Mariner.

Everyone, that is, except Mariners relief pitcher Shawn Kelley. He became the expendable one in Lee’s return from the disabled list, optioned to the Tacoma Rainiers.

There was speculation that the Mariners might move Kanekoa Texeira or Jesus Colome, neither an attractive option because the Mariners stood to lose either of those relievers. Texeira is a Rule 5 draft pick who would need to be offered back to the Yankees, and Colome is out of minor league options.

Kelley, however, had options remaining and hadn’t been used much recently with the starters going deep into games on a more regular basis. Since April 19, Kelley has pitched only once, Tuesday at Kansas City.

Neither Colome nor Texeira have been used extensively, either. Colome has pitched only three games this season and, going into Friday, was last used April 18 after going a week without pitching. Texeira has pitched five times, the last on April 23.

Tweaking the rotation

With Monday being the M’s second off day in a five-day span, they won’t skip any of their starters but will have Felix Hernandez and Doug Fister pitching next weekend on five days’ rest.

Hernandez and Fister will pitch today and Sunday, respectively, against the Rangers, and then Friday and next Saturday against the Angels.

Wakamatsu said Jason Vargas, Cliff Lee and Ryan Rowland-Smith would start the three games against the Rays, in that order, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Hannahan optioned

The Mariners activated utility infielder Jack Hannahan from the disabled list and optioned him to Tacoma.