SEATTLE — Emerson Hancock, a starter earlier in the season for the Mariners, has returned as a relief pitcher.

Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Justin Hollander announced Tuesday that Hancock has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. Sauryn Lao was optioned back to Tacoma to open a roster spot.

Hancock, 26, made 15 starts with Seattle this season, going 3-5 with a 5.47 ERA (47 ER, 77.1 IP), 30 walks and 53 strikeouts. He went 1-2 with a 5.24 ERA, 15 walks and 56 strikeouts in 11 games (9 starts) with Triple-A Tacoma.

Hancock’s last two appearances (August 20 and 24 vs. Oklahoma City) have come pitching out of the Rainiers bullpen, the first two relief appearances of his professional career. He allowed one run over two innings with two stri

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