Mariners activate of Franklin Gutierrez from disabled list

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today the following roster moves:

·         OF Franklin Gutierrez returned from rehab assignment at AAA Tacoma and activated from 15-day disabled list.

·         OF Casper Wells optioned to AAA Tacoma (post-game 8/26).

Gutierrez, 29, will be active for tonight’s game vs. the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis (5:10 pm PT/7:10 pm CT). He has been on the disabled list since June 29 recovering from a concussion. He was removed from game June 28 vs. Boston after being hit in the side of a head by a pick-off throw from Franklin Morales. In 7 rehab games with the Rainiers, Gutierrez hit .333 (8x24) with 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 7 RBI.

Gutierrez has been limited to just 13 games this season, missing the first two months with a torn pectoral muscle. In 13 games with the Mariners he is batting .267 (12x45) with 5 runs, 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 9 RBI. Over his last 7 games (6 starts) from June 20-28 he combined bat .360 (9x25) with 2 home runs and 6 RBI.

Wells, 27, has appeared in 74 games with the Mariners, making starts at all three outfield positions (LF – 51 G/42 GS, RF – 9 G/GS, CF – 8 G/GS). He is batting .226 (52x230) with 8 home runs (last: 8/26 at CWS) and 29 RBI. Wells will report to the Rainiers tonight for their season-ending 8-game road trip at Las Vegas and Fresno. He will be eligible to rejoin the Major League roster upon the completion of Tacoma’s season (final game is Sept. 3).