Torrens (back spasms) to IL; Hudson recalled

Catcher Luis Torrens, one of the Mariners’ pleasant surprises in the final month of the season, was placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Sunday’s season finale due to back spasms. Rookie catcher Joe Hudson was recalled from the alternate training site to take his place on the roster for the final game against the A’s.

Torrens was acquired from the Padres on Aug. 30 as part of a seven-player trade that sent starting catcher Austin Nola to San Diego. Torrens took over as Seattle’s starter and posted a .254/.323/.373 line with four doubles, a homer and six RBIs in 18 games while also playing solid defense.

But after playing just seven games with the Padres in the first six weeks of the season, the heavy workload led to some back issues for the 24-year-old, and after playing in eight straight games, he sat out Friday’s series opener in Oakland and then was placed on the IL after catching Game 1, a 5-1 win, in Saturday's doubleheader.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said one of the big offseason goals for the 6-foot, 208-pound Torrens is to get stronger and add about 8-10 pounds in order to withstand the rigors of a 162-game season. Torrens was 2-for-16 in his final five games, as his average dropped from .296 to .257.

With starter Tom Murphy expected back after missing this season with a broken bone in his left foot, Torrens will likely share time with Murphy next year.

Rookie Joseph Odom started Sunday’s finale, with the 29-year-old Hudson activated off the traveling taxi squad to serve as a backup. Hudson had two prior stints with the Mariners this season, hitting .176 (3-for-17) with two walks in nine games.