Tom Wilhelmsen (back) is available to pitch Monday. Wilhelmsen hasn't pitched since last Tuesday due to a stiff back, but he's back to normal now. "The Bartender" has thrown three scoreless frames so far this year.

Mariners recalled RHP Tom Wilhelmsen from Triple-A Tacoma. Wilhelmsen was sent down nearly a month ago, but he unfortunately didn't really figure things out at Triple-A, striking out 15 over 12 innings but posting a 10.50 ERA. The former closer will be used in low-leverage situations for now.

Mariners interim manager Robby Thompson said Tuesday that there are no plans at this time to convert Tom Wilhelmsen into a starter. Wilhelmsen made the start on Tuesday for Triple-A Tacoma, but it appears to have been in an effort to just get in some extra work. The righty began his pro career in the rotation but is better suited for relief and that's the role he'll remain in.

Tom Wilhelmsen will start Tuesday for Triple-A Tacoma. Very interesting. The Mariners aren't calling him a starting pitcher yet, but they want to see how he responds to the role. It's worth noting that Wilhelmsen was primarily a starting pitcher before being called up to the majors in 2011, though he didn't enjoy much success.

Mariners optioned RHP Tom Wilhelmsen to Triple-A Tacoma. Wilhelmsen was the Mariners' closer just one week ago, but his implosion against the Red Sox last Thursday was apparently the last straw. The 29-year-old has a disappointing 4.37 ERA and 35/26 K/BB ratio over 47 1/3 inning this season. Danny Farquhar is the pitcher to own in his bullpen right now.

The Mariners decided to send down Tom Wilhelmsen after Monday's game against the Blue Jays. From closer to minor leaguer without even one blown save in between. Wilhelmsen was 7-for-7 saving games since regaining his job, only to lose it again in one ugly four-batter appearance against the Red Sox on Aug 1. He hadn't pitched since, and the Mariners brass must have figured that if the manager doesn't trust him, it makes more sense to get him regular work in the majors than to waste away in the major league pen.

Mariners acting manager Robby Thompson said Friday that Tom Wilhelmsen is out as closer for the time being. Wilhelmsen imploded in epic fashion Thursday night against the Red Sox, throwing just seven out of 19 pitches for strikes while allowing two hits and two walks. It's worth noting that he was pitching pretty well prior to Thursday's outing, but Thompson plans to look elsewhere in the short-term. Yoervis Medina is probably the favorite for save chances right now.

After coming in with a 7-2 lead, Tom Wilhelmsen was charged with four runs without ever retiring a batter Thursday against the Red Sox. Just seven of Wilhelmsen's 19 pitches were strikes. It was control problems that cost him his closer gig earlier this season, but he had been quite a bit better of late; allowing one run in 7 1/3 innings and walking three since the All-Star break. He's also still 8-for-8 in his save chances since regaining the closer's gig, so one bad outing probably won't get him sent back to middle relief. That said, he's hardly someone who can be relied on as a source of saves for the rest of the season.

Tom Wilhelmsen earned his fourth save of the second half by tossing a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday against the Indians. Wilhelmsen inherited a 4-3 lead and nearly coughed it up, allowing two hits before being bailed out by slick infield defense. Seattle is riding an eight-game winning streak and Wilhelmsen has been a huge fantasy benefactor, saving five of those games. He has 23 on the season to go with a 3.77 ERA.

Tom Wilhelmsen picked up his third save in four days with a scoreless ninth Monday against the Indians. Wilhelmsen gave up runs in two of his final three outings before the break, but the Mariners have kept him in the closer's role anyway. Tonight, he gave up a one-out double to Michael Brantley and walked Jason Giambi before getting Lonnie Chisenhall to fly out to end a 2-1 game.