Martinez, Carmona Assigned To Tacoma

The Mariners got to the roster limit of 25 by optioning right-handed pitchers Dennis Martinez and Rafael Carmona to Triple-A Tacoma and placing left-hander Jamie Moyer on the 15-day disabled list with a strained flexor tendon in his left elbow.

Moyer, in Seattle’s starting rotation, is expected to be out three to four weeks. It’s the second time in his career he’s been on the DL.

“I’m not used to this,” said Moyer, 34, who was on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder in 1989 when he was with Texas.

Manager Lou Piniella said Martinez will start the Rainiers’ season opener Thursday.

However, Martinez, 41, will rejoin the Mariners as their fifth starter against Cleveland, his former club, on April 8 in Seattle.

Carmona, 24, who was 8-3 with a 4.28 ERA and one save in 53 games and 90 innings in Seattle last season, was 1-1 with a 10.20 ERA in 15 innings this spring.

The Mariners also announced that the contracts of right-hander Josias Manzanillo and Mike Blowers, who will platoon at first base with Paul Sorrento, have been purchased from Tacoma. Both were non-roster invitees to spring training.