MARINERS 1B RUSSELL BRANYAN PLACED ON THE 15-DAY DISABLED LIST
Right-Handed Pitcher Chris Jakubauskas Recalled from AAA Tacoma.

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that Mariners first baseman Russell Branyan has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a herniated disk in his back. To take his spot on the Mariners active, 25-man roster, right-handed pitcher Chris Jakubauskas has been recalled from AAA Tacoma.

Jakubauskas is returning from Portland, OR, may arrive in time to participate, if needed, in tonight's 7:10 game vs. the Kansas City Royals.

Branyan, 33, left last night's game after experiencing pain in his back on a swing. He underwent an MRI exam today, which revealed the herniated disk.

Branyan has set new career highs in nearly every category this season, including games (116), home runs (31), RBI (76), doubles (21) and walks (58) while batting .251. He leads the team in homers and walks, and has posted a .347 on-base percentage and an OPS (on-base + slugging) of .867.

Jakubauskas, 29, was optioned to Tacoma on Aug. 22, but did not appeare in a game with the Rainiers. He has pitched in 32 games with Seattle this season, making 8 starts. Jakubauskas posted a 6-7, 5.28 mark with 26 walks and 43 strikeouts in 88.2 innings pitched. In 24 relief appearances, Jakubauskas is 4-2, 4.13 and has limited opposing batters to a .227 batting average.