The Seattle Mariners made another bullpen adjustment Thursday before facing the Baltimore Orioles, selecting Michael Rucker’s contract and designating Domingo Gonzalez for assignment.
The move gives the Mariners a fresh relief arm at Camden Yards and ends Gonzalez’s latest MLB stint in less than 24 hours. Seattle brought him back on Wednesday after Matt Brash landed on the injured list with a right lat strain.
However, Gonzalez’s latest outing quickly changed the club’s plans. He threw two innings in Wednesday’s 7-2 loss, allowing four hits, two walks, and four earned runs while also giving up a grand slam.
The Mariners official PR team posted the roster update Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, announcing the moves before the series finale vs. the Orioles in Baltimore.
“Roster moves:
Michael Rucker (#38), RHP, selected from Triple-A Tacoma.
Domingo González, RHP, designated for assignment.
The @Mariners 40-man roster remains full at 40 players.”
Roster moves:
The @Mariners 40-man roster remains full at 40 players.
https://t.co/5oKpRU26ls pic.twitter.com/IHdFKwhrnN
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) June 11, 2026
Rucker now joins the major league bullpen after pitching for Triple-A Tacoma. Seattle needed coverage after a difficult stretch taxed its relief group, and his arrival gives manager Dan Wilson another arm capable of absorbing innings Thursday if needed.
The designation also removes the 26-year-old reliever from the 40-man roster. The Mariners now have seven days to trade him, place him on waivers, or outright him if he clears.
For Gonzalez, the move shows how quickly bullpen roles can change. A pitcher can return one day and lose his roster spot the next when performance and availability collide.
For Rucker, the opportunity arrives at a useful time. The Mariners need strikes, length, and stability while they navigate Brash’s absence and try to avoid overusing the bullpen.
Because Seattle’s 40-man roster remains full, future additions will require a corresponding move. The Mariners have been heating up, going 14-8 over their last 22 games after opening the season 16-17, and need cleaner middle-relief innings Thursday to secure the series win.
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