Ben Gamel Recalled; Ariel Miranda Optioned to Tacoma

Down goes the next roster domino as the Mariners announced the recall of Ben Gamel from Tacoma and option Aríel Miranda to AAA following a solid but wasted start last night against the Astros. Enjoy the R Yard, Aríel. You’ve earned it. Heck, I think the club should let you into the Summit Club.

We don’t have to rehash the Ichiro conversation here, although I know you guys and I give it 78% odds you do it anyway, not that I blame you. I see what the club is doing here, but as I said on Monday, this isn’t really the optimal set of baseball moves given Scott Servais’ admission that Gamel was ready to go yesterday but is being held back for “roster considerations.”

Gamel should get the start tonight against Gerrit Cole if the club wants to put their best lineup forward. After tonight, scheduled games against Charlie Morton and Bartolo Colon (Thursday and Saturday) should provide more platoon opportunities for Gamel, with Heredia scooping up starts against Mike Minor and Martin Pérez on Friday and Sunday. Sunday should also bring something of a temporary conclusion to this saga, barring unexpected injury, as the club will need to recall either Erasmo Ramirez or Rob Whalen to make that day’s start (all indications are that it will be Erasmo, who went 5.2 innings with 6 K’s, 1 BB, and 1 ER for Tacoma last night.) That said, the club could continue the five outfielder shell game a little longer if they decide to option a reliever and go to a 7-man bullpen on Sunday.