Mariners activate Paxton, call up Vincej

SEATTLE -- Left-hander James Paxton was activated off the 10-day disabled list so he could start the Mariners' series opener Monday night against the Astros at Safeco Field, while third baseman Kyle Seager was placed on paternity leave.
The club called up infielder Zach Vincej from Triple-A Tacoma to add another infielder in Seager's absence, while first baseman Daniel Vogelbach was optioned back to Tacoma.
Paxton hasn't pitched since July 12, when he was pulled due to a stiff lower back after throwing just two-thirds of an inning and giving up two home runs in a game at Colorado. The 29-year-old has gone 8-4 with a 3.70 ERA this season.
Servais said he may limit to Paxton to the 80-90 pitch range in Monday night's start.
"We'll keep a close eye on Pax," Servais said. "We want to be smart. It's been a while since he's been out there and coming off the injury. Hopefully he gives us a really good, competitive start."
Seager's paternity leave means he can miss up to three days, but Servais said he wasn't sure how much of that time his starting third baseman would use.
"He should enjoy the day with his family," Servais said. "I'll probably talk to Kyle tonight or tomorrow and see where he's at family-wise at that point."
Utility man Andrew Romine got the start at third on Monday, making Vincej more of a depth piece. He will make his Mariners debut, and has hit .236 with six home runs and 44 RBIs in 84 games with Tacoma while primarily playing shortstop.

"[Vincej] can play all over," Servais said. "He can help at short, second, just gives us more flexibility."
With Seager potentially missing up to three days on paternity leave, Vincej will make his Mariners debut. The 27-year-old has hit .236 with six home runs and 44 RBIs in 84 games with Tacoma while primarily playing shortstop.
Vincej made his Major League debut with the Reds in 2017, appearing in nine games and going 1-for-9 with two runs. His addition brings the Mariners' roster to 40.
Vogelbach spent the past 10 days with the Mariners in his fourth stint with the big league club this season. He's hit .212 with two homers and seven RBIs in 25 games on the year, while batting .305 with 16 homers and 42 RBIs in 63 games for Tacoma.