Casey Lawrence DFA’d, Trent Thornton activated from appendicitis-based IL stint

The return of the relief stalwart.

The Seattle Mariners announced Saturday that they have activated RHP Trent Thornton off of the 15-day injured list where he’d been for the past several weeks, recovering from appendicitis. In a corresponding move, they’ve designated RHP Casey Lawrence for assignment.

Thornton’s return is an auspicious one, if he can be more of the pitcher he’d been a season ago. Heavily leaned on in 2024, Thornton was a solid bridge in his 72.1 frames. However, his 2025 has been a grisly affair, dominated by an astonishing number of homers allowed and diminished bat-missing capabilities. With Seattle’s bullpen taxed heavily while the rotation rebuilds itself, a righty who can take an inning or two at a time without capitulating the game would be a boon.

For Lawrence, it’s a record-matching sixth designation for assignment in a single season. Presumably, the typical song and dance will follow, with CLaw returning to Triple-A Tacoma to bide his time. This particular call-up, Lawrence did not actually appear in a game, a recognition of the returning health of both the rotation and bullpen that will likely reduce the frequency of his trips on the Sounder train. The move leaves Seattle’s 40-man roster at 39.