M's recall lefty French, put struggling Rowland-Smith on DL

CHICAGO -- The Seattle Mariners have recalled left-hander Luke French from Triple-A Tacoma and sent struggling starter Ryan Rowland-Smith to the disabled list with a strained lower back.

The Mariners announced the moves before Wednesday night's game at the Chicago White Sox.

The 27-year-old Rowland-Smith fell to 1-10 with a 6.96 ERA after tying a team record by allowing all 11 runs in Tuesday's 11-0 loss at Chicago. He has allowed 23 home runs in 22 games.

French will be in his third stint with the Mariners this season.

The 24-year-old has appeared in four games and made one start with Seattle in 2010. He is poised to take Rowland-Smith's place in the rotation.

French is 11-3 with a 2.94 ERA in 17 starts with Tacoma. He was a Pacific Coast League All-Star.