Mariner leaves team for birth of child

Seattle Mariners closer David Aardsma has left the team for the birth of his child.

The Mariners were aware of Aardsma's plan to fly home to join his wife, Andrea, for the birth of their child. The club expects him to be gone three days. Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu said Brandon League will be the interim closer in Aardsma's absence.

Aardsma holds the distinction of being the first player alphabetically in the list of all-time Major League Baseball players.