Yesterday word broke that the Mariners had demoted struggling RHP Drew Steckenrider to Tacoma, and today we got the corresponding move: the recall of LHP Roenis Elías.
Recalling Elías solves several problems: not only does he replace the struggling Steck, but Elías’s history as a starter provides length out of the bullpen in case of emergency that has been missing since fellow Justus Sheffield was assigned to Tacoma. With George Kirby scrapping to get through five innings every turn plus the occasional, inevitable pitching blowup, that length is desperately needed by the current Mariners.
Finally, Elías also gives the bullpen another lefty to supplement Anthony Misiewicz, who has simply been relied on too heavily this season, as we saw in the ill-fated decision this Tuesday to try to squeeze another inning out of him.