Seattle Options Nori Aoki as Part of Rash of Roster Moves

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners optioned starting outfielder Nori Aoki and relief pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen to Triple-A Tacoma to clear space for pitching reinforcements.

The Mariners made seven roster moves Friday before starting a homestand against St. Louis. The Mariners also placed right-hander Adrian Sampson on the 15-day disabled list and brought up left-handers Wade LeBlanc and David Rollins and right-hander Donn Roach from Tacoma. Seattle also transferred right-hander Tony Zych to the 60-day DL.

LeBlanc was set to start for Seattle on Friday night. It's his first start in the majors since 2014.

Aoki had started 67 games this season but was hitting just .245. He was demoted from the leadoff spot in the batting order recently.