37 Zac Grotz RP

Grotz was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Grotz made his big-league debut in 2019 and had a 4.15 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB over 17.1 innings, but he's set to begin the 2020 season -- whenever that may be -- at Triple-A. The 27-year-old allowed three runs on four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts over five innings prior to the suspension of spring training.

Grotz was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The 26-year-old right-hander spent time with the Mariners during August, generating an impressive 3.12 ERA across 8.2 innings over six relief appearances. Grotz was sent back down to the minors and logged two outings with the Rainiers during which he allowed two hits and a walk across three scoreless frames. Grotz will give manager Scott Servais yet another bullpen option for the balance of the regular season and will have a chance to build some momentum toward competing for a relief role in spring training.

Grotz had his contract selected from Double-A Arkansas on Wednesday.

Grotz will provide the Mariners with a fresh bullpen arm after the team traded away a pair of relievers Wednesday. The right-hander owns a solid 2.51 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 69:11 K:BB in 57.1 innings with Arkansas this season, though he's never pitched above Double-A, so expectations should be tempered for his first big-league stint.