Bullpen struggles continue

SEATTLE — Albert Abreu isn’t the only member of the Yankees’ bullpen having a hard time.

He was the focal point after giving up a go-ahead, two-run homer to Carlos Santana in the Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Mariners on Wednesday afternoon at T-Mobile Park, but the team’s once fearsome pen has taken some hits and has yet to regain its footing in the wake of injuries to Michael King and Chad Green and the demotion of Ron Marinaccio.

“We’ve got to get a couple guys going,’’ manager Aaron Boone said. “But I absolutely feel [the pen] is in a good spot, especially when we’re set up.”

Wandy Peralta and Lucas Luetge have been solid, but Luetge is being saved for long relief. And Aroldis Chapman has been better, but hasn’t pitched in many high-leverage situations lately.

Clay Holmes hasn’t been as good since the All-Star break and Jonathan Loaisiga hasn’t gotten going this year.

The additions of Lou Trivino and Scott Effross should help, but there are more questions than there were earlier in the season.

And then there’s Abreu, who is out of minor league options and was designated for assignment twice after the Yankees traded him to Texas for Jose Trevino in the spring. He has allowed four runs in his last four outings.

“His command has not been as good the last few times,’’ Boone said. “We’ll keep getting him out there to be where he needs to be.”

After a 13-inning loss Tuesday night, Boone didn’t have the luxury of saving Abreu for a lower-leverage situation.

➤ Anthony Rizzo returned to the lineup after missing five games with tightness in his lower back. He started at first base and went 0-for-4.

The Yankees and Rizzo said this injury isn’t as serious as when he dealt with a similar issue last month, but that one only cost him four games.

The first baseman had homered in four straight games before going hitless last Wednesday. His back tightened up during batting practice before the team’s next game on Friday and he was scratched from the lineup.