SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have been dealing with a series of injury woes over the last several weeks, which have been recently punctuated by the day-to-day condition of starting catcher Cal Raleigh.

The Mariners' injury concerns grew worse on Monday before the first of a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

Seattle placed high-leverage left-handed reliever Gabe Speier on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation (retroactive to May 3).

In a series of corresponding moves, recently-claimed left-handed reliever Jose Suarez reported to the club. The Mariners also recalled lefty Josh Simpson from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers and optioned right-handed reliever Cole Wilcox to the Rainiers.

Suarez was claimed off waivers, ironically, from the Braves. He'll have an opportunity to get revenge against his former team.

The 28-year-old southpaw will join the organization with 114 games (63 starts) from 2019-present with the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta. He's capable of making a spot-start on a bullpen day, if need be, or go multiple innings in relief.

Suarez had a 6.61 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 16.1 innings across eight outings with the Braves this season.

"He has been around," M's manager Dan Wilson said in a pregame interview Monday. "He understands what it's like to pitch up here, he does give us a lot of versatility in the bullpen. Can go a little bit longer but can also go a little bit shorter in stints, as well. And having a left-hander, I think, is huge. Especially against a lineup that has some left-handed hitting."

Speier's placement on the IL is another big blow to the Mariners, who are currently without Raleigh, third baseman Brendan Donovan, high-leverage right-handed reliever Matt Brash, multi-use righty reliever Carlos Vargas and outfielder Victor Robles, among others.

Speier's inflammation has been a lingering issue and Seattle opted to make the decision to shut him down to give him necessary rest to recover.

"(It's) something that's been lingering on him a little bit," Wilson said. "Just thought it was a good time to take a little rest here and give it the time that it needs. ... I don't think it's concerning. It's just a matter of being able to give it some time here. I think he'll be in a good spot here after he gets a little bit of rest and can move on from it."

Speier hasn't pitched in a game since an outing against the Minnesota Twins on April 29. He struck out two, walked one and allowed one earned run on three hits in 0.2 innings.

For the season, the 31-year-old lefty has posted a 2.92 ERA and has fanned 12 hitters in 12.1 innings pitched across 15 appearances.

The Mariners and Atlanta will play at 6:40 p.m. PT on Monday.

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