Mariners recall RHP Carter Capps from AAA Tacoma; Option RHP Tom Wilhelmsen to AAA Tacoma

Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jack Zduriencik announced today the following roster moves:

• RHP Carter Capps recalled from AAA Tacoma
• RHP Tom Wilhelmsen optioned to AAA Tacoma (post-game 8/5)
• OF Franklin Gutierrez returned from rehab assignment at AAA Tacoma (remains on 15-day disabled list)

Capps, who turns 23 tomorrow, will be in his second stint with the Mariners after making the Opening Day roster. He appeared in 33 games, posting a 2-2, 6.37 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 35.1 innings pitched prior to being optioned to Tacoma on July 10. In 7 games with the Rainiers he did not record a decision, allowing 2 earned runs in 11.0 innings (1.64 ERA). He last pitched in a game Aug. 3 vs. Iowa, tossing 2.0 shutout innings.

Wilhelmsen, 29, is 0-3, 4.37 (23 ER, 47.1 IP) with 24 saves (in 29 opportunities) this season with Seattle. He had converted 8 consecutive save opportunities from July 3 to July 28 before allowing 4 runs without retiring a batter in a non-save opportunity Aug. 1 at Boston. Wilhelmsen has walked 18 batters in his last 23.1 innings pitched, after walking just 8 in his first 24.0 innings this season.

The Mariners also announced today that they have released outfielder Jason Bay.

Bay, 34, appeared in 68 games with Seattle this season, batting .204 (42-for-206) with 6 doubles, 11 home runs and 20 RBI. Bay, who has played for San Diego (2003), Pittsburgh (2003-2008), Boston (2008-09), and the Mets (2010-2012), was designated for assignment on July 29. He signed by Seattle as a free agent on Dec. 12, 2012.