The Mariners optioned Mike Zunino to Class AAA Tacoma just after batting practice and recalled veteran catcher Tuffy Gosewisch to replace him on the roster on Friday. Carlos Ruiz got the start on Friday night. But at age 38, he can’t be an every day catcher. The Mariners will likely split time between to the two veterans.

Zunino, 26, was hitting .167 (12-f0r-72) with a. 236 on-base percentage, five doubles and two RBI in 24 games with the Mariners this season. He had six walks and 30 strikeouts. It’s the third straight season he’s been sent to Tacoma. Zunino started last season the Rainiers in an effort to reset his approach and swing in a pressure-free environment. He was called up on June 30 and hit .207 (34-for-146) a .318 on-base percentage, seven doubles, 12 homers and 31 RBI in 55 games.

Gosewisch, 33, is batting .240 (12-for-50) with four doubles, seven RBI and eightwalks in 17 games with the Rainiers.

He’s thrown out 7-of-14 baserunners — the 2nd-highest caught stealing percentage in the Pacific Coast League this season among qualifying catchers. He was a waiver claim in the offseason, he spent parts of four seasons with the Diamondbacks, playing in 126 games, hitting .199 (78-for-392) with 17 doubles, a triple, five homers and 30 RBI.