Mariners call up local product Michael Rucker, DFA reliever

The Seattle Mariners selected the contract of local product Michael Rucker from Triple-A Tacoma and designated right-handed-reliever Domingo González for assignment on Thursday.

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Rucker, 32, is an Auburn Riverside High School graduate who started his college career with the Gonzaga Bulldogs before finishing at BYU. The right-handed reliever has made 22 appearances with the Rainiers this season, posting a 1.59 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 25 strikeouts to 11 walks over 22 2/3 innings.

Rucker, who signed a minor league contract with the M’s in January, pitched in 96 games over three seasons with the Chicago Cubs from 2021-23. He posted a 4.91 ERA over 123 1/3 innings, including a career-best 3.95 ERA over a career-high 54 2/3 innings in 2022.

Rucker dealt with a hand injury and pitched in the minors for the Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals in 2024. He missed the 2025 season after having Tommy John surgery. He shared a touching post on Instagram in February about joining his “hometown team” that he “grew up watching and admiring throughout my childhood” after pitching in a game for the first time in a year and a half.

González, 26, has appeared in five games for the M’s this season, compiling a 4.70 ERA with four runs allowed over 7 2/3 innings. He pitched one scoreless inning against the Houston Astros on May 12 in his major league debut.

This is the third straight day the Mariners have made a move with their short-handed bullpen. On Tuesday, right-hander Cooper Criswell was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain and right-hander Nick Davila was called up in a corresponding move. On Wednesday, right-hander Matt Brash was added to the 15-day IL with a right lat strain and González was recalled.

The Mariners wrap up a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at 4 p.m. Thursday. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports apps begins at 3 with the pregame show.

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