Seattle, WA -- (Sports Network) - The Seattle Mariners on Thursday optioned left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas to Triple-A Tacoma and selected infielder Chris Shelton from Tacoma.

"With the All-Star break beginning Monday, we will not need a fifth starter until July 25," said Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik. "Optioning Jason to Tacoma and getting Shelton up here allows us to keep Vargas pitching on schedule and add a bat to our ballclub."

Vargas was recalled to Seattle on May 1 and has made 13 appearances (11 starts). He has a 3-3 record with a 3.82 ERA and 19 walks to go with 41 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings.

Shelton last played in the majors in 2008 with Texas, and signed as a minor league free agent with Seattle in December. He owns a .274 average with 44 doubles, seven triples, 37 homers and 120 RBI in 290 major league games with Detroit (2004-2006) and Texas (2008).