Mariners lineup: Max Povse up, Mitch Haniger returns, Yovani Gallardo rejoining rotation

Relief pitcher Max Povse has rejoined the Mariners ahead of their series opener against the New York Yankees at 7:10 on 710 ESPN Seattle.

The M’s recalled Povse from Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday afternoon, optioning starting pitcher Sam Gaviglio to the Rainiers to make room on their active roster. Gaviglio was sent down to also make room for a return to Seattle’s starting rotation by Yovani Gallardo, who has been pitching out of the bullpen for the last month after a shaky start to his tenure with the Mariners as a starter.

Seattle will get additional help for its bullpen when trade acquisition David Phelps arrives from Miami. Manager Scott Servais said Phelps won’t be available until Friday as he was still en route to Seattle on Thursday afternoon, and it will require another move to get him on the active roster. That considered, Povse may only be with the Mariners for Thursday’s opener before going back to the minors.

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In their lineup, the Mariners will have Mitch Haniger back in action for the first time since he took a pitch off his right index finger attempting a bunt last Saturday. Manager Scott Servais said the finger isn’t bothering Haniger at the plate, but it could impact his throwing from the outfield.

On New York’s side, Todd Frazier will make his first start at third base since the Yankees acquired the slugger along with star reliever David Robertson and pitcher Tommy Kahnle from the White Sox in a trade Tuesday. Frazier made his debut Wednesday, getting one at-bat off the bench against the Minnesota Twins.

The Mariners will be looking for longtime ace Felix Hernandez to lead them to their seventh win in eight games – and get them over .500 in the process – while the Yankees will have hard-throwing righty Luis Severino on the mound.

The Yankees enter the four-game series in position for the American League’s second wild-card spot, presenting Seattle an opportunity to catch them as it is just 1 1/2 games back of New York in the standings.

Coverage begins at 6 with the pregame show on 710 ESPN Seattle. Here are the full lineups.

Mariners (48-48)

Jean Segura, SS
Ben Gamel, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Danny Valencia, 1B
Mitch Haniger, RF
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Mike Zunino, C

Felix Hernandez, RHP

Yankees (48-45)

Brett Gardner, LF
Gary Sanchez, C
Aaron Judge, RF
Matt Holliday, DH
Starlin Castro, 2B
Didi Gregorious, SS
Todd Frazier, 3B
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Chase Headley, 1B

Luis Severino, RHP

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