Mariners call up veteran utility man in wake of Arozarena injury

The Seattle Mariners have made a second roster move in the wake of All-Star left fielder Randy Arozarena landing on the 10-day injured list just before they opened a homestand Tuesday night.

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Veteran corner infielder/outfielder Connor Joe was recalled from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on Wednesday afternoon, with rookie outfielder Curtis Washington Jr. optioned back to the High-A Everett AquaSox.

Because of the timing of Arozarena’s placement on the IL, the Mariners called Washington up from the AquaSox on Tuesday to ensure they had an outfielder available off the bench in an emergency situation. With the AquaSox in Everett for a series against the Hillsboro Hops and the Rainiers on the road at Salt Lake, it was the 26-year-old Washington who was given the surprising call up to Seattle.

Washington, a 19th-round pick out of Purdue in the 2022 MLB Draft, is hitting .190 with a .674 OPS with the AquaSox this year. While there was the potential for a Moonlight Graham-esque appearance late in Tuesday’s game, he heads back to Everett without making his big league debut.

Joe, 33, returns to the Mariners for his second stint with the major league club this season. In 18 games with Seattle, he’s hitting .182 (6 for 33) with a home run, two doubles, two stolen bases and six walks. With Tacoma, he hit .242 with two homers, seven doubles and a .689 OPS in 24 games. Joe has played with six MLB teams over seven seasons.

Joe gives the Mariners depth both in the outfield and at first base. In addition to Arozarena going on the IL, Seattle played Tuesday without first baseman Josh Naylor (shin and wrist) and outfielder Luke Raley (back), who were both ruled day-to-day with minor injury concerns. Joe also adds a needed right-handed bat to the Mariners’ lefty-heavy roster.

The AL West-leading M’s play Game 2 of a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday night. Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports begins at 5:30 with the pregame show.

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