Seattle Mariners: Casey Lawrence returns, local product DFA

For the fourth time already this season, Casey Lawrence is back with the Seattle Mariners.

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The team recalled the veteran right-handed pitcher from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the second game of a three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox. Lawrence, 37, has made headlines this season because he’s been designated for assignment four times – thrice by the Mariners, and once by Toronto.

Lawrence is expected to pitch the bulk of Tuesday’s game against the White Sox after reliever Casey Legumina starts as an opener, per Seattle Sports’ Shannon Drayer. The Mariners signed Lawrence back on May 7, five days after he was granted free agency by the Blue Bays.

The Mariners optioned left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Díaz to Tacoma to make room for Lawrence on the active roster. Seattle also designated corner infielder Austin Shenton for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Shenton, a native of Washington state and Bellingham High School alum, was originally drafted by the Mariners in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay last year. The 27 year old returned to the Mariners organization over the offseason in a trade from Tampa Bay for cash after the Rays designated him for assignment.

Díaz, 28, was recalled from Triple-A by the Mariners on May 14 but did not pitch in a game. He has appeared in one game for Seattle this season and seven with the Rainiers.

Lawrence has pitched in four games with Seattle and once with the Blue Jays this season, allowing seven earned runs over 12 2/3 innings for a 4.97 ERA. He also has a 4.91 ERA over four appearances (14 2/3 innings) with Tacoma.

Lawrence originally played with the Mariners in 2017. He is set to become the sixth player in team history to have three separate tenures with Seattle, joining Mike Blowers, Raúl Ibañez, Norm Charlton, Roenis Elías and Jeff Nelson.

Game 2 of the Mariners’ series against the White Sox is set for a 4:40 p.m. Tuesday first pitch. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports will begin at 3:30 with the pregame show. However, it’s been a rainy day in Chicago, so there’s a good chance the game is postponed.

More on the Seattle Mariners

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• ESPN’s Passan: Mariners in great spot with expected pitching returns
• Savvy play by Seattle Mariners’ Ben Williamson gets national attention
• Drayer: How top M’s pitching prospects Cijntje, Sloan are opening eyes
• Brock & Salk: Seattle Mariners leading AL West no longer feels surprising

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