Rowland-Smith converted to starter: The Mariners activated closer J.J. Putz from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. Putz had been on the DL since June 12 with a hyperextended pitching elbow. The 31-year-old right-hander, a first-time All-Star last year, has struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness this season. To make room for Putz on the roster, Seattle optioned left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith to Triple-A Tacoma. Mariners manager Jim Riggleman reiterated that Putz will initially appear earlier in games in non-save situations and hard-throwing 24-year-old Brandon Morrow will remain the closer for now. (Updated 07/20/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/24/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Rowland-Smith, a long reliever who has also made two starts this season for the Mariners, was upset with the move, but Riggleman said Seattle wants to convert Rowland-Smith, who threw 75 pitches in long relief Saturday, into a full-time starter. "That's a tough move. Ryan's done a good job," Riggleman said. "We've got to get some starters down there who can eventually help us." Riggleman added the 25-year-old native of Australia could be back and starting for Seattle soon. "I doubt very much at all that it will be all the way to September until we see him again," the manager said. AL-only Fantasy owners might want to stash Rowland-Smith for his envitable return to the majors. He might not be a Fantasy ace, but could provide some decent starts later in the season. (Updated 07/20/2008).
The Mariners optioned left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday after activating closer J.J. Putz from the disabled list. (Updated 07/20/2008)
Advice
Rowland-Smith went 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA and two saves in 37 games -- two starts -- with Seattle before being sent to the minors Sunday. He'll likely get another chance with the Mariners later this season, but has little fantasy value.
Rowland-Smith converted to starter: The Mariners activated closer J.J. Putz from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. Putz had been on the DL since June 12 with a hyperextended pitching elbow. The 31-year-old right-hander, a first-time All-Star last year, has struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness this season. To make room for Putz on the roster, Seattle optioned left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith to Triple-A Tacoma. Mariners manager Jim Riggleman reiterated that Putz will initially appear earlier in games in non-save situations and hard-throwing 24-year-old Brandon Morrow will remain the closer for now. (Updated 07/20/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/24/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Rowland-Smith, a long reliever who has also made two starts this season for the Mariners, was upset with the move, but Riggleman said Seattle wants to convert Rowland-Smith, who threw 75 pitches in long relief Saturday, into a full-time starter. "That's a tough move. Ryan's done a good job," Riggleman said. "We've got to get some starters down there who can eventually help us." Riggleman added the 25-year-old native of Australia could be back and starting for Seattle soon. "I doubt very much at all that it will be all the way to September until we see him again," the manager said. AL-only Fantasy owners might want to stash Rowland-Smith for his envitable return to the majors. He might not be a Fantasy ace, but could provide some decent starts later in the season. (Updated 07/20/2008).
= probable start
