1B Russell Branyan, C Rob Johnson return to Mariners, INF Wilson claimed, C Quiroz designated

1B Branyan returns as Mariners make more moves

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have reinstated catcher Rob Johnson from the bereavement list and claimed infielder Josh Wilson off waivers from San Diego.

Seattle also designated catcher Guillermo Quiroz for assignment on Friday.

Johnson was one of three players to leave the team this week because of illness or death of a family member. Johnson missed five games after his mother-in-law died.

Team home run leader Russell Branyan was in the lineup for Friday night’s game against Arizona after attending his grandfather’s funeral in Georgia on Thursday.

Mariners’ RBI leader Jose Lopez remained away in Venezuela. His sister there is seriously ill.

The 28-year-old Wilson was with Arizona for 11 games earlier this season. San Diego claimed him off waivers last month and he played 16 games for the Padres.