SEATTLE -- Right-hander Adam Warren’s performance over the past month dictated that he stay in the New York Yankees' starting rotation.

So that’s where he’ll stay when right-hander Masahiro Tanaka is activated from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday for his start against the Seattle Mariners (24-26). Right-hander Chris Capuano, who is 0-3 with a 6.39 ERA in three outings since returning from the DL, will move to the bullpen.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi made the move official Monday during his pregame media session at Safeco Field. He said it was more a reward for Warren, who went 2-3 with a 3.41 ERA in six May starts, then a penalty for Capuano.

The Yankees (26-25) won’t option a reliever to the minor leagues until they’re forced to when they activate Tanaka on Wednesday. In the meantime, Capuano, who won’t be available to pitch Monday, maintained he isn’t worrying about the demotion.

“I just don't try to think too much about the big kind of political issues as a player,” he said. “It's enough every day to just try to figure out what's my routine, how am I going to take care of my body, how am I going to get ready to play. I try not to waste too much mental energy on that."

In Sunday’s 3-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, Warren (3-4, 3.75 ERA) allowed two runs over seven innings while striking out four and walking one. It was his fourth consecutive quality start, but the 27-year-old is just 1-3 during that span because of lackluster run support.

“He pitched a great game yesterday,” Girardi said. “It's unfortunate we didn't get him any runs, but he pitched really well.”

After losing three of four to the Athletics to begin their seven-game West Coast road trip, things don’t get any easier for the Yankees. Last year’s American League Cy Young runner-up Felix Hernandez (8-1, 1.91 ERA) gets the start for Seattle, and he always cherishes the chance to pitch against the Yankees.

The right-hander is 9-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 17 career starts against New York. Dating back to April 11, 2014, Hernandez is 14-4 with a 2.05 mark in 22 starts at Safeco Field.

The Yankees at least get to counter with their ace in right-hander Michael Pineda (6-2, 3.36 ERA). Pineda, of course, spent his 2011 rookie season in Seattle, earning an AL All-Star selection, before the club traded him and minor leaguer Jose Campos to New York in exchange for former top catching prospect Jesus Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi.

Girardi was asked if Pineda might be overanxious to face his former team.

"I think you always worry about when guys going back to their old clubs and pay attention to it,” he said. “Michael has a lot of gyrations out there anyway so we may not be able to tell."

Here's the lineup for Monday’s 10:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Struggling second baseman Stephen Drew is back after getting Sunday off.

Brett Gardner, CF

Chase Headley, 3B

Alex Rodriguez, DH

Mark Teixeira, 1B

Brian McCann, C

Carlos Beltran, RF

Didi Gregorius, SS

Stephen Drew, 2B

Ramon Flores, LF

Michael Pineda, RHP