ST. PETERSBURG -- Four days after being traded, Mariners closer Diego Castillo returned to his former home on Monday night.

Castillo, who spent eight seasons in the Rays’ organization, admitted that it was sentimental for him to be back at Tropicana Field so soon. In a practical sense, it gave Castillo an opportunity to reunite with his family and gather more of his belongings.

Castillo had been 2-4 with a 2.72 ERA and 14 saves in 37 games with the Rays when the Mariners acquired him on Thursday for right-hander JT Chargois and Minor League infielder Austin Shenton.

“It’s a little bit strange, but I feel good,’’ said Castillo through Manny Navarro, his familiar translator with the Rays. “I was a little sad when I heard the [trade]. I never actually thought I would get traded.’’

Castillo said it was nice to see old teammates and clubhouse personnel, but his priorities were clear.

“Once I put on a different uniform, the Seattle uniform, I can’t go back and remind myself of them being my teammates,’’ Castillo said. “I have to go out and do my job.’’

Fraley returns
The Mariners activated outfielder Jake Fraley from the 10-day injured list Monday after a four-game rehab stint with Triple-A Tacoma. Fraley, who was in the lineup batting sixth and playing left field in the series opener, hit .237 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs in 40 games with Seattle before going on the IL.

In a corresponding move, the Mariners placed infielder/outfielder Shed Long Jr. on the 10-day IL with a right shin stress reaction.

“It’s nice to have Jake back,’’ said Mariners manager Scott Servais. “We’ve missed him since he has been gone. As far as running Jake out there six, seven days in a row, you’re probably not going to see that happen. We’ll mix and match based on who we’re facing that night. D-Mo [Dylan Moore] will be in the lineup somewhere. He brings so much defensive versatility.’’

Servais said Long had been complaining about his right shin, an area that caused a season-ending injury in 2020.

“He came in a few days ago and said his leg wasn’t feeling great,’’ Servais said. “He thought he needed to take a step back and regroup. It coincided with Fraley coming back and [Long] can get his leg up to 100 percent.’’

Reunion with Cruz
Seattle had already finished its season series against the Twins, but now the club will get another look at former Mariner Nelson Cruz, a designated hitter who was traded from Minnesota to the Rays on July 22.

“I think Nelson Cruz changes anybody’s lineup,’’ Servais said. “Heck of a hitter with an unbelievable track record. We’ve got to figure out a way to get him out and beat him this week.’’

Cruz was a three-time American League All-Star with the Mariners from 2015-18, when he batted .284 with 163 home runs.

“Some of the best seasons and best memories of my life,’’ Cruz said.