SEATTLE — If only it were an elaborate April Fool’s joke.
A day after Robbie Ray struggled in his first start of the season, allowing five (three earned) on four hits while walking five batters in 3 1/3 innings pitched, the Mariners placed the left-handed pitcher on the 15-day injured list with a flexor strain in his left forearm/elbow.
Seattle recalled left-handed reliever Gabe Speier from Class AAA Tacoma to take Ray’s spot on the active roster. Right-hander Chris Flexen, who pitched four innings of relief in Friday’s 9-4 loss, will likely take Ray’s spot in the rotation.
