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Seattle Mariners

Felix Hernandez activated by Mariners, starts against White Sox

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez stands in the dugout during a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, July 16, 2016, in Seattle. After two minor-league starts during his recovery from an injury, Hernandez is scheduled to return to the Mariners with a start at home against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. (Ted S. Warren / Associated Press)
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez stands in the dugout during a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, July 16, 2016, in Seattle. After two minor-league starts during his recovery from an injury, Hernandez is scheduled to return to the Mariners with a start at home against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. (Ted S. Warren / Associated Press)
Associated Press

SEATTLE – Felix Hernandez was activated from the disabled list by the Seattle Mariners to start Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox.

Hernandez had been on the DL since May 27 because of a strained right calf. He is 4-4 with a 2.86 ERA.

“I’m realistic on expectations today, not looking for a complete game shutout,” manager Scott Servais said. “Nice to have him back, his competitiveness, looking forward to having him in there.”

Seattle recalled outfielder Norichika Aoki and catcher Mark Zunino from Tacoma. Both were in the starting lineup, with Aoki batting leadoff.

To make room, outfielder Daniel Robertson, catcher Jesus Sucre and reliever David Rollins were optioned to the Triple-A farm team.

Aoki hit .245 in 67 games with the Mariners, then was sent down June 24 and hit .369 in 16 games for Tacoma.

“We’re going to play him, I don’t know if it’s going to be every day, but certainly against right-handers and pick our spots against the lefties,” Servais said. “Nori’s been great. He’s done everything that we asked him to do when he went down there. Hard for a veteran player to do that, but he’s a good teammate, he worked his tail off. He’s a big league player, we’ve just got to get him back and get him going.”

Zunino played in 112 games with Seattle last season and was hitting .286 in the minors this year with 17 homers and 57 RBIs in 79 games. He is expected to share playing time with starter Chris Iannetta.