BREAKING: Mariners key man return from injured list with shocking negotiation

The Seattle Mariners’ bullpen has regained one of its key relievers.

Left-hander Tayler Saucedo, who had been out for nearly three weeks due to a hyperextended right knee, was activated from the 15-day injured list on Sunday morning ahead of Seattle’s series finale against the Washington Nationals. To make room for Saucedo, the Mariners sent right-handed reliever Eduard Bazardo to Triple-A Tacoma.

Saucedo, a local talent from Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, sustained his injury on May 7 when he awkwardly stepped on first base while covering the bag in a game against the Minnesota Twins. The 30-year-old made a rehab appearance in Tacoma, pitching a scoreless inning on Thursday night.

Saucedo’s return is a boost for Seattle’s injury-plagued bullpen, which has been without hard-throwing relievers Matt Brash and Gregory Santos all season. Brash is out for the year following Tommy John surgery earlier this month, while Santos, on the 60-day IL with a lat strain, isn’t expected back until at least July.

In his second season with Seattle after two years with the Toronto Blue Jays, Saucedo has a 2.70 ERA in 14 appearances this year, with 13 strikeouts and five walks over 13 1/3 innings.

Bazardo, who began the season on the 15-day IL with a rotator cuff strain, made five relief appearances for the Mariners after his May 8 activation. The 28-year-old right-hander gave up five runs and four hits over 7 2/3 innings, recording six strikeouts and four walks.