Mariners recall Jesus Montero from AAA Tacoma

SEATTLE, Wash. - Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced the following roster moves prior to tonight's game vs. the Los Angeles Angels:

·         Jesus Montero, 1B/DH, recalled from AAA Tacoma

·         J.A. Happ, LHP, optioned to High-A Bakersfield

Montero will wear jersey #63 and is available to play in tonight's series opener vs. the Los Angeles Angels (7:10 pm).

Montero, 25, returns to the Mariners after being named a Pacific Coast League All-Star and leading the league in hits (113), runs scored (57), total bases (180) and RBI (68). In 84 games with AAA Tacoma Montero hit .332 (113x340) with 12 doubles, 5 triples, 15 home runs, 68 RBI and a .899 OPS.

With the Rainiers Montero played 70 games at first base, recording a .992 fielding percentage (5 E, 612 TC). He also saw action in 14 games as the designated hitter. At the plate Montero recorded at least one hit in 66 of 84 games, including 35 multi-hit games. In his last 11 games with Tacoma (since 6/27) he batted .545 (24x44) with 11 runs scored, 2 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs and 12 RBI (1.571 OPS). Overall he hit .362 (42x116) with 9 home runs vs. LHP and .317 (71x224) with 6 home runs vs. RHP.

Happ, 32, is 4-5 with a 4.14 ERA (44 ER, 95.2 IP) in 17 starts this season. He recorded a no-decision in his last start Wednesday vs. the Tigers, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs in 4.0+ innings pitched. Happ has a run support average of 3.57 this season (38 runs of support), 9^th-lowest in the American League. Of his 17 starts, 9 have been one-run games.