It looks like Cha Seung Baek paid the price for the Mariners' starting pitchers transgressions. After making his second straight appearance, throwing three scoreless innings and allowing just two hits, Baek was designated for assignment by the Mariners.

No actual explanation was given. However, since both he and Ryan Rowland-Smith both pitched on consecutive days and leaving no long relief option available and Miguel Batista starting on Thursday, the Mariners had to make a move to bring in another arm in case of an emergency or if Batista pitched like he has the last few games.

Baek was informed about 10:20 local time and received plenty of handshakes and hugs from his teammates.

The Mariners haven't made an official announcement who they are calling up, however it would seem like R.A. Dickey would be the likely candidate. Dickey has already been up once this season and has the type of arm to provide plenty of innings if needed. He pitched on Sunday so he would be ready to go.

The Mariners have 10 days to trade, outright or release Baek. The Mariners will have to place Baek on the waiver wire. Last season, the same thing happened but nobody claimed off the waiver wire and he was sent to Triple A Tacoma, that might not happen this year with pitching-starved teams like the Milwaukee Brewers out there.

Jarrod Washburn said after the game that he tried to stay in the game and "wear the loss" and pitch some more innings to save the bullpen. But McLaren chose to pull him and it looks like Cha Seung is left wearing it this time.