Mariners option two to Tacoma

PEORIA, Ariz. – The Mariners optioned right-handed pitcher Chase De Jong and outfielder Boog Powell to Triple-A Tacoma prior to the first game of Friday’s split-squad doubleheader.

De Jong, 23, was 1-1 while allowing five earned runs in nine innings over three appearances since arriving from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a March 1 trade for infielder Drew Jackson and pitcher Aneurys Zabala.

Powell, 24, resurrected his status as a prospect this spring by batting .577 in 16 games with 15 hits in 26 at-bats. He still has five games remaining in an 80-game suspension levied last June for failing a drug test while playing at Tacoma.

“He’s played really well,” manager Scott Servais said. “Probably as good of a spring as anybody we’ve had. It’s tough. He’s getting one or two at-bats, here or there. He’s put them together. Good for him.”

The two moves reduced the camp roster to 51 players, including 35 currently on the 40-man roster. More cuts are expected early next week. The Mariners have conclude spring training with an April 1 game against Colorado in Scottsdale.

De Jong had his best spring outing Thursday in limiting Kansas City to one unearned run in four innings in a 9-2 victory in Surprise.

“He’s still a young player and needs seasoning probably at the Triple-A level,” Servais said. “I think what we thought we were acquiring is exactly what he’s been. He’s a strike-thrower with upside.

“He’s got a good body. His arm works well. I think there’s a lot of room for growth.”