Mariners activate Vincent from DL, call up Freeman

SEATTLE -- The Mariners continued to reshape their roster this week by activating right-handed reliever Nick Vincent from the 15-day disabled list and recalling utility player Mike Freeman Sunday.
In corresponding moves, Seattle optioned right-handed reliever Cody Martin and infielder Luis Sardiñas to Triple-A Tacoma.
Vincent was on the DL for just over two weeks with a mid-back strain. He was originally scheduled to make one more rehab start in Triple-A, but he said he felt completely ready to return. He has a 3.47 ERA in 35 relief appearances.
"I wouldn't be saying I'm good if I wasn't good," Vincent said. "I'm not 23 and [needing] to prove myself."
The Mariners claimed Freeman off waivers from Arizona on Aug. 1 and optioned him to Triple-A. Freeman started at second base Sunday against the Angels with Robinson Canó taking a scheduled off-day, notching his first hit and RBI in the 3-1 win.

Freeman played in nine games with Arizona this season. In Triple-A Reno and Tacoma combined, he hit .322 with 11 stolen bases.
"He can run, he's athletic," Mariners manager Scott Servais said before Sunday's game. "He's a grinder. He's maybe not as toolsy as some other guys that have come up, but a good baseball player."
Martin had been on the Mariners' roster since being recalled from Triple-A on July 30 to fill a hole left in the bullpen when Nathan Karns went on the 15-day DL. Martin made three relief appearances with a 3.00 ERA. He threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings in the Mariners' 8-6 comeback win over the Angels Saturday.
Sardinas hit .181 in 32 games this season. This is the third time the 23-year-old will make the trip down to Tacoma.
The Mariners will need to make another roster move this week with shortstop Ketel Marte (mononucleosis) expected to come off the 15-day DL soon. Marte was set to play seven innings in a rehab game Sunday in Triple-A Tacoma. Servais said he hopes to have him back before going on the road Friday.
In Marte's absence, utility Shawn O'Malley has been playing shortstop. With more frequent playing time, O'Malley has settled into the role well. His three-run home run and tight defense were a huge part of the Mariners' win Saturday. The Mariners plan on easing Marte back, so O'Malley will still see time at shortstop. He will also play some in the outfield again.
"Marte's not going to play 10 consecutive days in a row or anything like that," Servais said. "We're not going to do that, and Shawn's certainly earned the opportunity to play some shortstop."