Mariners activate RHP David Phelps from DL, DFA Leonys Martin

ATLANTA – The Mariners wasted no time in activating reliever David Phelps from the 10-day disabled list, doing so Wednesday morning ahead of their 4:35 p.m. series finale with the Braves.

Phelps, who missed 14 games with an impingement in his elbow, threw a sim game Monday. There was the possibility that with a day off on Thursday the team could give him two extra days before returning, but he is ready to go now and will be available out of the bullpen Wednesday.

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To make room for Phelps on the 25-man roster, Leonys Martin was designated for assignment. As he is out of minor league options, the DFA was necessary to remove Martin from the 25-man roster. If – and that could be a big if at this time of the year – he clears waivers he can be sent to Triple-A Tacoma.

Martin hit .230/.266/.462 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 19 games with Seattle since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma late last month.

The move gives the Mariners an extra arm once again in the bullpen. For the majority of the season they had gone with an eight-man pen but were down to seven after the addition of Yonder Alonso. More arms have been needed of late, however, with a starting staff that has not been able to get deep in games. With the recent return of Mitch Haniger from injury and reliever Tony Zych placed on the DL Tuesday, the extra bullpen arm was needed more than a fifth outfielder.

The move leaves the Mariners’ 40-man roster at 39. MLB active rosters expand from 25 to 40 on Sept. 1.