By Jim Hoehn
The Associated Press
SEATTLE — Another collapse by the bullpen cost the Seattle Mariners more than a victory.
The Chicago White Sox scored two runs in the ninth inning to tie the game and then took advantage of the Seattle bullpen’s wildness for a three-run 10th in a 6-3 victory over the Mariners on Saturday night.
Immediately after the game, losing pitcher Danny Farquhar, who failed to retire any of the four batters he faced in the 10th, was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
Also, veteran Fernando Rodney (5-5, 5.68 ERA with six blown saves) was designated for assignment.
“The fact is, we are just not getting it done,” Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. “That is the 17th blown save and the 22nd loss in the opponent’s last at-bat.”
To fill the roster spots, left-hander Roenis Elias and right-hander Logan Kensing will be brought up from Tacoma on Sunday, the Mariners said.
Elias was 4-6 with a 4.27 ERA in 13 starts earlier this season with the Mariners, and 4-2 with a 7.34 ERA at Tacoma after being sent down in early July.
Kensing was 2-0 with 2.23 ERA in 19 relief appearances with Tacoma.
Rodney, an All-Star in 2014 with Seattle and an AL-best 48 saves, but lost the closer role after struggling this season.
“This is a funny game. He was an All-Star last year, set a franchise record in saves,” McClendon said.
“It just did not work for him, whatever the reason was, this year. He could not get it done, could not get it going. It’s very unfortunate. We wish him the best.”
Rodney, whose 236 career saves are sixth among active players, said the move was not unexpected.
“No surprise,” the 13-year veteran said. “You know when you have not been doing your job. I have been waiting.”
