Mariners' Rob Whalen: Sent back to Triple-A

Whalen was demoted to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

Whalen was optioned to make room for the return of Juan Nicasio (knee). Whalen pitched four scoreless innings Friday against the Red Sox in his only big-league appearance this season, allowing just one hit and one walk, though he didn't manage to strike out a single batter.