SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners have recalled former first-round pick Mike Zunino from Triple-A Tacoma after backup catcher Steve Clevenger broke a bone in his hand.
Seattle made the roster moves on Thursday before opening a four-game series against Baltimore. Zunino and relief pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen were recalled, Clevenger was placed on the 15-day disabled list, and reliever Donn Roach was optioned to Tacoma.
The Mariners were hoping to keep Zunino in the minors for most of the season, in the hopes that he could rebuild his approach at the plate, but the injury to Clevenger forced the change.
Zunino, a former No. 3 overall pick, has been outstanding at Triple-A this season. He has a .282 batting average with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs in 69 games. He is tied for third in the Pacific Coast League in home runs and tied for eighth in RBIs.
