NEW YORK -- As the Mariners gear up for a tough 10-day East Coast road trip that will test their recent hot streak, the club made two roster moves on Monday, activating reliever Juan Nicasio and backup catcher Chris Herrmann off the 10-day disabled list.
Both players will be available for Tuesday's series opener against the Yankees, which opens a trip that then journeys to Boston and Baltimore for the 46-26 Mariners.
Right-hander Rob Whalen and catcher David Freitas were optioned to Triple-A Tacoma to open spots for the two returnees.
Nicasio had been on the disabled list for 10 days with swelling in his right knee, but he was cleared to return after throwing live batting practice on Saturday without any issues.
The 31-year-old has posted a 5.34 ERA with 37 strikeouts and two walks in 28 2/3 innings over 30 outings. Nicasio was tied for the American League lead with 14 holds when he went on the DL and has the fourth-best strikeout-to-walk ratio among all Major League relievers.
Herrmann went on the DL on May 30 with a strained right oblique, but he has since played six Minor League rehab games with Tacoma while going 2-for-12 with a double, two RBIs and two walks. He played in one game for Seattle on May 27, going 1-for-4, before being sidelined.
Herrmann is a six-year Major League veteran who adds some experience and a left-handed bat behind starter Mike Zunino. He again replaces the 29-year-old Freitas, who has hit .217 with four doubles and three RBIs in 23 games for the Mariners as a rookie this season.
Whalen also returns to Tacoma after making a strong impression with his one appearance in long relief as he worked four scoreless innings with just one hit in Seattle's 7-6 comeback win over Boston on Friday. The 24-year-old will return to the rotation with Tacoma, where he's gone 7-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 13 starts.
The Mariners are also close to getting reliever Nick Vincent back off the DL, as he's slated to make two rehab outings with Double-A Arkansas before joining the club on Friday in Boston if all goes well. The veteran right-hander has been out three weeks with a strained right groin.