SEATTLE -- The Mariners' injury-plagued rotation got a boost on Wednesday as left-hander James Paxton, the club's best starter in April, was activated off the 10-day disabled list.
Paxton returned from a four-week absence with a strained left forearm to start Wednesday's 7:10 p.m. PT game against the Rockies as the Mariners open an 11-game homestand at Safeco Field. Right-handed reliever Ryne Harper was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma to open a spot on the 25-man roster after spending three days with the team without appearing in a game.
Paxton, 28, was 3-0 with a 1.43 ERA in six starts before going on the DL. He threw four innings and 55 pitches in a rehab outing Friday at Double-A Arkansas and said he's "ready to roll," after rejoining the club.
The Mariners are still minus right-handers Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, both sidelined by shoulder issues, as well as lefty Drew Smyly, who has been out since Spring Training with a strained elbow.
Hernandez and Iwakuma both threw a pair of bullpen sessions during the Mariners' last road trip. Hernandez appears closest to returning, as he could go out on a Minor League rehab stint sometime next week and potentially rejoin the team in mid-June, with Iwakuma projected to be a week or so behind.
Smyly has been playing flat-ground catch for the past two weeks and is likely looking at a July return if things continue to progress on schedule.
The Mariners have used 12 starting pitchers over the first two months of the season, the most in the Majors.