Seattle Mariners

Even with the news Mariners catcher Jesus Montero is being demoted to the minors, prospect Mike Zunino is expected to remain with Triple-A Tacoma, according to The News Tribune. Tacoma backup catcher Jesus Sucre is being promoted to take Montero's roster spot.

Following a torrid start, Zunino has cooled off considerably for Tacoma, seeing his batting average plummet to .220. The News Tribune said Zunino is no longer seeing a steady diet of fastballs inside the strike zone and has struggled with breaking and offspeed pitches, as well elevated fastballs with two strikes. It signals Zunino isn't ready to play regularly at the major-league level yet.

The Mariners are expected to demote catcher Jesus Montero to Triple-A Tacoma, according to The News Tribune, which means Kelly Shoppach takes over as the starting catcher. Jesus Sucre is being recalled from Tacoma to be the backup catcher.

Shoppach, who has started the last three games at catcher, is batting .229 through 23 games. In fact, he's batting .163 (7 for 43) in his last 13 games.

The Mariners are expected to promote Triple-A Tacoma catcher Jesus Sucre to take the roster spot of Jesus Montero, who is being demoted to Tacoma following a slow start, according to The News Tribune.

Sucre, who has been backing up prospect Mike Zunino at Tacoma, is batting .302 with one double and five RBI in 14 games.

Sucre is expected to back up catcher Kelly Shoppach for the Mariners.

The Mariners are expected to demote catcher Jesus Montero to Triple-A Tacoma Thursday and promote catcher Jesus Sucre from Tacoma to take his roster spot, according to The News Tribune. With prospect Mike Zunino at Tacoma, the News Tribune suggests Montero will see more playing time at DH and first base.

Montero is batting .208 with three home runs and nine RBI in 29 games. He hasn't started since Sunday, with Kelly Shoppach taking over behind the plate.

Mariners starter Brandon Maurer trailed 5-0 after the first inning Wednesday in Anaheim against the suddenly red-hot Angels. He didn't allow a home run but surrendered seven earned runs on 11 hits and two walks in three innings. He was replaced after 74 pitches. Maurer (2-6) struck out two in the loss, and he has a 6.80 ERA.

Maurer has lost three consecutive decisions in his last four outings and has allowed at least three runs in each of those starts. He's yet to go deeper than 6 2/3 in any start. Maurer is scheduled to start Tuesday against San Diego if the Mariners.