SEATTLE -- The Mariners like Shawn O'Malley's versatility, and they'll be employing it in the near future.
Prior to Sunday's game, Seattle recalled the utility man from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned Luis Sardinas to Tacoma. O'Malley, 28, played 24 games for the Mariners last year, hitting .262 with 10 runs, a double, a home run, seven RBIs and three stolen bases. O'Malley, a native of Richland, Wash., is one of 35 players born or raised in the state of Washington to appear with the Mariners.
In Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Angels, O'Malley led off the bottom of the sixth inning with his team having been no-hit through five by Hector Santiago. He laid a bunt down the first-base line that Santiago couldn't handle and was ruled a base hit.
Sardinas, 22, hit .154 in 12 games for Seattle after making the Opening Day roster. But Mariners manager Scott Servais said prior to Sunday's game, which O'Malley started in center field, that the team wants Sardinas to get regular at-bats in the Minor Leagues and that O'Malley's ability to play the outfield makes more sense on the 25-man roster at this time.
O'Malley was asked what he's ready for as this big league stint begins.
"Everything," O'Malley said. "Just here to help this team win, and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that happens."
O'Malley has experience playing every position besides first base and catcher.
"But I don't think I've spent more than two nights in a row in the same spot," he said. "So hopefully I can add some versatility to this lineup and help this team win."
O'Malley added that he's been watching the success of the first-place Mariners from Tacoma and is beyond excited to be a part of it.
"I think the city of Seattle and the state of Washington couldn't be happier with the way they've been going," he said. "I'm glad I got added to this team and can help them."