Beimel recalled from Triple-A, activated from DL

OAKLAND -- Veteran left-handed reliever Joe Beimel was recalled from his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Tacoma and activated from the 15-day disabled list on Friday, just in time to join the Mariners for the start of their three-game series against the A's.

Beimel, 38, was placed on the DL on Aug. 21 with inflammation in his left shoulder. He pitched three rehab games with Tacoma, allowing seven hits and three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. Beimel threw a scoreless frame on Thursday at Salt Lake City.

His return bolsters a Seattle bullpen that had been going with rookies Rob Rasmussen, David Rollins and Edgar Olmos from the left side since Beimel went on the DL. Olmos has since moved into the rotation, with veteran lefty Vidal Nuno now available in the bullpen beginning Friday as well.

In 42 appearances for the Mariners this season, Beimel is 2-1 with a 4.78 ERA. He had a 2.50 ERA in his first 37 outings before giving up eight hits and 12 runs (10 earned) in 1 2/3 innings over his last five appearances, allowing five home runs in that span.

Beimel acknowledged that his arm had grown fatigued during that stretch, but said he's back to feeling normal after his brief time off and then regaining his timing in his first two rehab outings.

"No soreness at all and my timing is good," he said. "I felt like I pitched probably the best I have in a long time last night, so I'm ready to go. I topped out at 91 and that's as good as it gets for me. So I should be good for the rest of the year."

Beimel was placed on the DL after allowing three straight home runs to the Rangers in his last outing on Aug. 19 in Arlington, but manager Lloyd McClendon said he'd have no qualms going back to Beimel in a critical situation if needed.

"He threw the ball much better last night. He was much crisper, his breaking ball was good," McClendon said. "I trust Joe. If he says he's ready, he's ready."

Beimel was 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 56 appearances last season with Seattle after spending two years in the Minors following Tommy John surgery on his elbow.