Brandon Maurer allowed four runs on six hits over five innings in a win over the Astros on Sunday.

Making his third start of the season, Maurer turned in his best performance, a relative term when your ERA is 6.92. The right-hander walked two and struck out three to go with his six hits allowed. Maurer will remain in the Mariners' rotation due to lack of better options, but he's not to be trusted for fantasy purposes. His next start will come against the Royals next weekend.

Brandon Maurer allowed five runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Rangers on Sunday.

Maurer's offense saved him from taking his first loss of the season, but he was ineffective for much of the short outing. He surrendered three doubles among his seven hits allowed, and he struck out just three. he's likely the first man out of the rotation once Hisashi Iwakuma returns. If he's still around, Maurer will draw an easier assignment against the Astros next Saturday.

Mariners recalled RHP Brandon Maurer from Triple-A Tacoma.

Maurer will get the start on Sunday versus the Marlins, replacing Blake Beavan (shoulder) in the rotation. The right-hander was pitching mostly as a reliever at Tacoma and will be on a limited pitch count. He can go unowned in fantasy leagues.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon confirmed Friday that Brandon Maurer will be recalled to start on Sunday in Miami.

Maurer began the season in Triple-A Tacoma's bullpen but was moved into the rotation last week and boasts a 2.16 ERA with a whopping 17 strikeouts over his first 8 1/3 innings. He only went two innings in his lone start for Tacoma, so his pitch count will obviously be limited Sunday.

Brandon Maurer is the most likely candidate to start for the Mariners on Sunday in Miami.

Taijuan Walker (shoulder) had a setback and Blake Beavan (shoulder) joined him on the disabled list, so the M's are looking for another starter. Maurer began the season in Triple-A Tacoma's bullpen but was moved into the rotation last week and boasts a 2.16 ERA with a whopping 17 strikeouts over his first 8 1/3 innings. He only went two innings in his lone start for Tacoma, so his pitch count would obviously be limited Sunday.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon announced Friday that Brandon Maurer will be shifted to the starting rotation at Triple-A Tacoma in order to build up his arm strength.

With the rash of injuries that the Mariners have experienced in their rotation already this season, they need all of the depth they can get. He should get a shot with the big league club at some point during the 2014 campaign.

Mariners optioned RHP Brandon Maurer to Triple-A Tacoma.

The 23-year-old right-hander missed most of the Cactus League season due to back and neck issues, which severely impacted his chances of cracking the Opening Day rotation. He'll continue to work back to full strength in the minor leagues.

Brandon Maurer (back, neck) is scheduled to pitch one inning in a minor league game on Tuesday.

Maurer has been bothered for most of this spring by back and neck issues and is questionable for the start of the 2014 regular season. He can be ruled out for a major league rotation spot at this point.

Brandon Maurer (back, neck) played catch from 75 feet Tuesday.

Maurer was recently shut down again after a recurrence of back and neck issues, but he's starting to feel a little progress. He's been limited to just 4 2/3 spring innings and is a question mark to be ready for Opening Day.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said Saturday that Brandon Maurer continues to have back problems and will be shut down for the next 6-7 days.

With this most recent setback, it appears very unlikely that Maurer will be able to secure a spot in the M's Opening Day rotation. He has appeared in just two Cactus League contests this spring, posting a 9.64 ERA and 1.93 WHIP in 4 2/3 innings.

Brandon Maurer surrendered four runs in 2 2/3 innings in Monday's start against the Royals.

Maurer, vying for a spot at the back of the Mariners' rotation, allowed six hits. He was hit around hard in the second inning for one run, then gave up an array of singles before exiting the game with two outs in the third. Maurer was slowed up early in March by back issues, but will have a few more weeks of spring training to turn things around.

Brandon Maurer (back) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Tuesday.

Maurer had been limited early on in Mariners camp by back tightness. The right-hander will likely go two innings in his spring debut. He is competing for one of the final spots in the Mariners' starting rotation.

Brandon Maurer (back) has returned to his normal throwing schedule following a successful bullpen session Thursday.

Maurer has felt some back tightness on multiple occasions this spring, but the issue has cleared up. With Tajuan Walker (shoulder) on the shelf, Maurer has a shot to crack the Mariners' Opening Day rotation.

Brandon Maurer (back) will likely throw on flat ground Wednesday.

Maurer has felt some back tightness on multiple occasions this spring, so the Mariners aren't going to push it. The 23-year-old has an outside chance at a rotation spot if he can avoid further setbacks.

Brandon Maurer's bullpen session Sunday was scratched due to back tightness.

It's the second time in three days that he's dealt with back issues, so the Mariners figure to shut him down for a bit. Maurer's status for Opening Day could be affected if the back problems drag on too long.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said Saturday that Brandon Maurer's back felt "100% better" on Saturday.

Maurer will throw long toss on Saturday, and the back injury isn't expected to be an issue moving forward. After a disappointing 2013 season, Maurer is hoping to compete for a spot in the M's rotation this spring, though he's likely ticketed for a trip back to Triple-A.

Brandon Maurer was held out of a live batting practice session after his back locked up on him.

Maurer thinks it's just as a result of him sleeping funny and waking up with some stiffness. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow," he said. Maurer will compete for a spot in the Mariners' rotation this spring but will most likely begin the year at Triple-A.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon announced Saturday that Brandon Maurer and Hector Noesi are among candidates to compete for a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

That would bring the total list of candidates to 11. With the recent injuries to Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker, things are wide open behind Felix Hernandez atop the M's rotation. Maurer was abysmal over 90 innings in 2013, but has the ability to generate punchouts, which could make him a consideration in AL-only formats should he secure a spot.

Brandon Maurer pitched well in Saturday's victory over the Athletics, allowing just two runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Maurer whiffed five on the day while issuing only one free pass. The A's got to him for single runs in the second and sixth innings, but failed to mount any serious threats the rest of the day. It's been an up-and-down season for the 23-year-old right-hander, who finishes with a 5-8 mark, 6.30 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 70/27 K/BB ratio over 90 innings. He'll attempt to utilize this season as a learning experience as he competes for a role in the Mariners starting rotation next spring.

Brandon Maurer allowed two runs -- one earned -- on four hits over seven frames in a no-decision against the Royals on Monday.

The right-hander struck out six and walked one in his last outing of the season. It was the best start of Maurer's young career and marked the first time that he's completed seven innings. Maurer ends a rocky rookie season 4-8 with a 6.48 ERA and 1.58 WHIP over 84 2/3 innings. He will compete for a rotation spot in the spring.