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Geoff Baker covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times. He provides daily coverage of the team throughout spring training, and during the season.

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April 16, 2009 3:28 PM

Johjima on DL, Tuiasosopo sent down; Burke, White called up

Posted by Larry Stone

Kenji Johjima, who strained his right hamstring on Wednesday, has been placed on the DL. To fill the catching void, the Mariners called up Jamie Burke from Tacoma. I suppose Jeff Clement was an option, but he's hitting .053 (1-for-19),for Tacoma, so that ended that discussion. Rob Johnson figures to get the bulk of the playing time now. Burke had six at-bats for Tacoma, with two hits.

Johjima was re-examined today by Mariners medical director Dr. Edward Khalfayan. Khalfayan diagnosed a grade 1 strain. Johjima is expected to need two to three weeks to fully recover, the Mariners said in a release.

The Mariners also optioned Matt Tuiasosopo, who never left the bench in nine games, to Tacoma. This is actually a good move for him, because he needs to play. And the Mariners need a reliever, with Chris Jakabauskas moving into the rotation today in place of Ryan Rowland-Smith, who went on the DL on Tuesday. Right-hander Sean White was selected from Tacoma.

White made two appearances with Tacoma. He has no record and a 4.15 ERA (2 ER in 4.1 IP). White spent the 2008 season in Tacoma, but appeared in 15 games with Seattle in 2007. He has a career Major League mark of 1-1, 5.06 with the Mariners.

FYI: The Mariners' 40-man roster was at 38, so they were able to add Burke and White with no problems. Both players will be in uniform for tonight's game.

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