Mariners reinistate Jean Segura, recall Ben Gamel; Guillermo Heredia, Matt Festa optioned
Aug 20, 2018, 12:11 PM

Ben Gamel is back with the Mariners after 16 games with Triple-A Tacoma. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners’ offense is getting a boost ahead of a big series that starts Monday against the Houston Astros.
Shannon Drayer’s Mariners notebook
All-Star shortstop Jean Segura has been reinstated after three days on the paternity list and outfielder Ben Gamel has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. To make room on the active roster, outfielder Guillermo Heredia and right-handed pitcher Matt Festa were optioned to the minors.
The Mariners were without Segura for their last three games, missing a bat that has a .314 average with 78 runs, 27 doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 56 RBIs this year.
Gamel returns following a 16-game stint with Tacoma where he hit .369 with 11 extra-base hits. He has a .290 average in 72 games with Seattle this year.
The Mariners initially sent Gamel down after acquiring outfielder Cameron Maybin in a deadline-day trade, opting to use the right-handed-hitting Heredia in a platoon with the left-handed Denard Span. More of a defensive specialist, Heredia has a .217 average this year with Seattle. He was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
Festa, 25, appeared in his second career MLB game on Sunday. He was optioned back to Double-A Arkansas following the game.