Mariners lefty Ryan Rowland-Smith sharp in 2nd rehab start at Triple-A Tacoma

Mariners starter Rowland-Smith progressing

TACOMA, Wash. — Mariners starter Ryan Rowland-Smith allowed three hits over five scoreless innings in his second minor league rehab outing.

Rowland-Smith struck out three and walked one Thursday night while throwing 81 pitches for Triple-A Tacoma against Nashville. He staked the Rainiers to a 5-0 lead before leaving. Tacoma eventually won 5-3.

The left-hander has been on the disabled list with tightness and fluid in his pitching elbow since his only start of the season, April 10 at Oakland.

Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu has said he expects the converted reliever to return to the rotation in early June.

Chris Jakubauskas has been inconsistent while filling Rowland-Smith’s spot in Seattle’s rotation.