Wilhelmsen recorded the final five outs of Wednesday's 8-3 victory over the Astros, giving up a lone hit and striking out three in the scoreless effort.

EDGE Analysis

Wilhelmsen has racked up four saves in the Mariners' last six games, with his ability to work multiple innings playing into his favor Wednesday, after the Mariners tacked on three insurance runs in the top of the ninth. It looks like manager Lloyd McClendon plans on sticking with The Bartender as his closer, pushing rookie Carson Smith to a setup role.

Wilhelmsen recorded his fourth save of the season Tuesday, and his second in three days.

EDGE Analysis

Carson Smith was once again used to record more than three outs en route to a hold, serving as the bridge to Wilhelmsen in the ninth inning. It certainly appears that going forward Wilhelmsen will be the best bet for saves in the Mariners' bullpen.

Wilhelmsen was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN Seattle reports. Aside from an early-season stint on the DL, Wilhelmsen has been a stalwart presence in the Mariners' bullpen, putting together a 4.68 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, and 28:11 K:BB in 25 innings across 22 appearances. The 31-year-old will act as organizational depth for the foreseeable future.

Wilhemsen (elbow) was activated from the disabled list Friday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports. Wilhelmsen will replace Dominic Leone in the Mariners bullpen moving forward. The veteran reliever struggled early in the season, allowing two runs over 2.2 innings, but that could partially be contributed to the elbow issues. He's coming off a very nice 2014 campaign, and will look to continue that success as middle reliever again in 2015.

Wilhelmsen will throw a simulated game Wednesday and then likely one more rehab game, per Greg Johns of MLB.com. This is another encouraging step for Wilhelmsen, but he'll probably be of more value to the Mariners than fantasy owners given that he's not going to receive many save opportunities after his return.

Wilhelmsen threw a successful 25-pitch bullpen session consisting of fastballs and sinkers Friday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports. Wilhelmsen is scheduled to toss another session Sunday, as his potential timetable for return draw nearer. A couple more sessions may be required, but if no setbacks occur, his return to the bullpen may be on the horizon.

Wilhelmsen (elbow) played catch Monday and hopes to throw a bullpen session soon, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN reports. Wilhelmsen remains about 10-to-12 days away from a return to the big league roster, but it's still encouraging that he was able to get through Monday's session without incident. He'll head to Triple-A Tacoma for a rehab assignment before rejoining the major league team.

Wilhelmsen (elbow) is probably 10 or 12 days away from returning, the Seattle Times reports. Wilhelmsen, who has a hyperextended right elbow, will go to Triple-A Tacoma for a short rehab stint before returning.

Wilhelmsen (elbow) will begin a throwing program Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. The right-hander was hoping to start up with his throwing last week but was delayed a bit longer than expected due to the hyperextended elbow. Wilhelmsen is slated to return to mound work during the team's road trip next week before likely embarking on a short rehab assignment.

Wilhelmsen (elbow) hopes to resume throwing by the end of the week, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports. Wilhelmsen admitted that he suffered the hyperextended elbow while swinging his arms in an attempt to loosen up. It doesn't sound like the right-hander is overly concerned about the injury, and if he's able to begin a throwing program before the weekend, he might not be out for much longer than the 15-day minimum.