HOUSTON -- With the Mariners needing to keep all arms available for their overused bullpen, outfielder Boog Powell was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday to open a roster spot for the return of starting pitcher Sam Gaviglio.
Gaviglio will face the Astros in Tuesday night's game at Minute Maid Park after pitching once for Tacoma during the All-Star break.
Powell had provided some needed outfield depth with Mitch Haniger sidelined the past two games by a bruised right index finger and Nelson Cruz unable to play in the field due to a sore right knee, but Seattle needed to keep an extra reliever after using closer Edwin Diaz and setup man Nick Vincent in four straight wins coming out of the break.
Right-hander Emilio Pagan was recalled from Tacoma to take Gaviglio's roster spot on July 7, but he'll be kept on now as the only reliever not used in Monday's 10-inning, 9-7 victory over the Astros.
Powell, 24, has had three stints with the Mariners this season, batting .194 with six runs, two RBIs and six walks in 36 at-bats over 23 games. He appeared in three games since his latest recall on July 2, going 2-for-8 at the plate.

Powell has batted .331/.426/.471 with 33 runs and nine stolen bases in 41 games for Tacoma this year.
Gaviglio has a 3-4 record and a 4.31 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) for Seattle. He made one start for Tacoma after being sent down prior to the break, allowing four earned runs in five innings in a loss to Fresno on July 13.