Seattle Mariners made another roster adjustment ahead of their series in Houston, officially placing left-handed reliever José A. Ferrer on the paternity list while recalling right-handed pitcher Domingo González from Triple-A Tacoma.
The move had been anticipated for several days. Reports over the weekend indicated that González had already joined the team in Chicago in case Ferrer needed to leave suddenly due to the expected birth of his child.
Ferrer ultimately remained active for Sunday’s game and even worked his way out of a difficult bases-loaded situation without allowing damage. However, he did not travel with the team to Houston afterward as he prepared to be with his family for the arrival of the baby.
Ferrer’s absence is expected to be temporary, but it still creates a noticeable gap in Seattle’s bullpen considering the important role he has played during the opening weeks of the season. The left-hander has quietly developed into one of the Mariners’ most trusted and versatile relievers, handling everything from late-inning save situations to multi-inning appearances.
Since arriving in Seattle during the offseason in the trade involving top catching prospect Harry Ford, Ferrer has quickly become one of the bullpen’s most heavily used arms. Entering the Houston series, he led all Mariners relievers in both appearances and innings pitched, logging 21 outings and 20 innings of work.
The 26-year-old has also been highly effective. Ferrer currently owns a 1.80 ERA along with an impressive 2.42 fielding independent pitching mark, showing that his strong production has not simply been the result of good fortune. Although he dealt with some poor batted-ball luck earlier in the season, he consistently continued producing quality outings and emerged as one of manager Dan Wilson’s most dependable relief options.
Seattle has leaned heavily on Ferrer in part because of instability elsewhere in the bullpen. Closer Andrés Muñoz has experienced some struggles at times this season, while key relievers Matt Brash and Gabe Speier remain sidelined with injuries. As a result, Ferrer has frequently been asked to fill multiple responsibilities depending on the game situation.
Whether entering to face a dangerous left-handed hitter, protecting a narrow lead late in games, or covering multiple innings out of the bullpen, Ferrer has consistently answered the call. His durability and reliability have made him one of the more valuable relief arms on the roster during the first month and a half of the season.
With Ferrer temporarily unavailable, González now receives an opportunity that could become a major milestone in his professional career. If he appears in a game during the series against Houston, the 26-year-old right-hander will officially make his Major League debut. He would become the third Mariners pitcher this season to reach the majors for the first time, joining fellow rookies Alex Hoppe and Nick Davila.
González has earned the promotion after a strong start at Triple-A Tacoma. Through 15 innings this season, he has recorded a 1.80 ERA while showing excellent command by issuing only two walks. He has also generated ground balls at an impressive 50 percent rate, helping limit offensive damage.
Originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, González later spent time in the Atlanta Braves organization before Seattle claimed him off waivers last August. After surviving offseason roster changes and beginning the year in Tacoma, he has now worked his way into position for his first opportunity in the major leagues.
While the Mariners eagerly await Ferrer’s return, the organization is also celebrating an important personal moment for the reliever and his family as they welcome their new child.
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