Iwakuma activated; Luetge sent down

HOUSTON -- All-Star right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma was activated Saturday off the 15-day disabled list by the Mariners, who optioned reliever Lucas Luetge back to Triple-A Tacoma to make room on the 25-man roster.

Iwakuma, who missed all of spring with a torn tendon in his middle right finger, will make his first start of the year in Saturday's 1:10 p.m. PT game against the Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Luetge was in his second stint with the Mariners this season. The 27-year-old lefty pitched just once after rejoining the club on April 25, throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings in a 6-5 win over the Rangers last Sunday.

In three appearances this season, he's allowed one hit and two runs in 2 1/3 innings.

The Mariners had an extra reliever, having added Luetge when Erasmo Ramirez was sent down to the Minors on April 24. With several off days to work around, the club went with four starters for a stretch, but now adds Iwakuma to the mix and will need an extra starter on Wednesday with a doubleheader scheduled at Oakland.

Seattle now has two remaining left-handers in the bullpen with Charlie Furbush and Joe Beimel.