Seattle Mariners placed right-handed pitcher Carlos Vargas on the 15-day injured list Friday with a right lat strain, recalling right-hander Cole Wilcox from Triple-A Tacoma. Vargas, 26, didn't appear in Thursday's loss to Cleveland and informed the team of discomfort after breaking camp with the Mariners this spring.

Manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Vargas' injury, noting they need more assessment. The third-year reliever went 5-5 with a 3.97 ERA last season and appeared in 70 games, second-most on the team. Wilcox, 26, was acquired from Tampa Bay in November for cash considerations after making his MLB debut with the Rays.

Wilcox brings a high-90s sinker and slider that sits in the high 80s to Seattle's bullpen. In spring training, he posted a 4.32 ERA across 8⅓ innings with 11 strikeouts and four walks. The Mariners now face questions about their relief depth with Vargas sidelined and Wilcox stepping into an uncertain role.