SAN DIEGO – For the third time on this trip, the Seattle Mariners will lose one of their players because of a family hardship.

First it was catcher Rob Johnson, whose mother-in-law died in a traffic accident, then it was first baseman Russell Branyan, whose grandfather unexpectedly died. On Thursday, the Mariners placed Jose Lopez on the bereavement list as he returned to Venezuela to be with his ailing sister.

“His sister has been awfully sick and she took a turn for the worse,” manager Don Wakamatsu said.

Wakamatsu didn’t have an official diagnosis other than to say it was some form of cancer.

Wakamatsu doesn’t expect Lopez to return for “at least five days.”

It’s a tough break for the Mariners considering Lopez has been one of their better hitters of late. His two-run homer Wednesday was his seventh in 17 games. Since May 29, Lopez leads the American League with seven home runs and 21 RBI and has raised his batting average almost 40 points.

This isn’t the first time Lopez has faced a family tragedy while in the big leagues. In 2007, Lopez’s brother was killed in a motorcycle accident. However, because tough travel arrangements, Lopez was unable to return home for the funeral.

The streak of hardships this past week left Wakamatsu shaking his head.

“I have never been around anything as devastating when three things happen in a week,” Wakamatsu said. “I think it’s a reminder that it’s still a game. I think sometimes we get into our own little cocoon and a dose of reality brings us back to what’s important, and that’s family.”

To replace Lopez on the 25-man roster, the Mariners brought up infielder Chris Woodward from Triple-A Tacoma. Woodward was hitting .299 with 12 doubles, a home run and 15 RBI in 51 games with the Rainiers. He’s a versatile player who can fill all the infield positions and the corner outfield spots as well.

To make room for Woodward on the 40-man roster, pitcher Carlos Silva was placed on the 60-day disabled list.

At 32, Woodward has played in parts of 11 big-league seasons. And that experience is something that makes Wakamatsu comfortable.

“Being around him in spring training and getting to know him, he knows how to play the game and is versatile,” Wakamatsu said. “Several coaches that had him in Toronto said they loved him.”

Woodward, who spent all of last season in the minor leagues, was happy to make it back to the big leagues, even for a short stay.

“Last year, I wasn’t here at all,” Woodward said. “That was my goal this year, to get back to the big leagues and to play well at Triple-A and show people I can still play. I have a lot left in me, and I know I can play at this level. It’s just getting the opportunity.”

Johnson back with team

Rob Johnson returned from the Houston area, where he was with his wife while mourning the loss of her mother. He arrived at Petco Park about 11 a.m. on Thursday morning, and Wakamatsu had some thoughts of playing him. However, with the late arrival and the time away, Wakamatsu decided to start Jamie Burke instead. Johnson will be activated for today’s game, and the Mariners will have make a roster move and send out either Burke or the other catcher, Guillermo Quiroz.

Johjima Tacoma-bound

Kenji Johjima’s return from a broken toe hit a speed bump when he experienced some soreness in the toe after some drills Wednesday. Johjima will have the toe re-examined today. The Mariners had planned to have him suit up tonight with the Rainiers for the first of three games. Instead, he’ll start Saturday’s game with the Rainiers, catch five innings and get at least two at-bats. The Mariners will re-evaluate after that. But Wakamatsu was firm in his demand that Johjima catch nine innings in a game before returning from the disabled list.

On tap

The Mariners return to Safeco Field for six games, starting with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The opener at 7:10 p.m. features Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn (3-5, 3.30 ERA) against Arizona right-hander Jon Garland (4-7, 5.45). FSN and 1240-AM and 1030-AM will broadcast.

Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483

ryan.divish@thenewstribune.com