Seattle Mariners reduce Spring Training roster to 48 players

The Seattle Mariners announced some interesting moves on Monday, including the outright release of pitcher Gerson Bautista.

The Seattle Mariners’ Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Dipoto announced a whole host of roster moves on Monday. In total 12 moves were made, to reduce the spring training roster to 48 players.

Among the more notable decisions, Logan Gilbert was re-assigned to a minor league camp. Selected 14th overall by the Mariners in the 2018 draft, he is considered one of their top pitching prospects.

Gilbert had made a decent impression during his one start in spring training, versus the Los Angeles Angels. He pitched two innings and allowed one run on two hits, while striking out four batters.

In truth the 23-year-old was never likely to make the opening day roster, having never pitched above Double-A. At the same time however, such is his talent and potential, it is predicted he will be part of the rotation sooner than later this season.

Another notable pitcher on the move was Yohan Ramirez, who was optioned to Triple-A to begin the 2021 season. The decision raised some eyebrows, given his involvement in the Mariners’ bullpen last year.

Further, Ramirez accrued some impressive statistics in his 16 appearances during the 2020 campaign. He recorded a 2.61 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 20.2 innings of action.

On the flip side though, the 25-year-old did walk 20 batters and raise some concerns about his control. He was also compromised by spending time away from spring training as a result of COVID-19 protocols, although the reality is he should be back in the Majors at some point during 2021.

The other significant move made by the Mariners involved the release of Gerson Bautista. Unfortunately for the right-handed pitcher, he failed to make an impression in six appearances during spring training.

Bautista totaled 5.1 innings of action, giving up seven hits, three earned runs and six walks in the process. It also didn’t help that he failed to record a single strikeout, despite being renowned for having a big arm.

This is the second time the Mariners have released the 25-year-old. However, whereas last time he was quickly re-signed, there is more uncertainty surrounding his future on this occasion.

Full list of moves made by the Mariners on Monday:

Optioned to alternate site (2):

Right-handed Pitcher (1): Yohan Ramirez

Infielder (1): Donovan Walton

Re-Assigned to minor league camp (8):

Right-Handed Pitcher (5): JT Chargois, Logan Gilbert, Taylor Guerrieri, Vinny Nittoli, Jimmy Yacabonis

Catcher (1): Brian O’Keefe

Infielder (1): Jantzen Witte

Outfielder (1): Eric Filia

Re-Assigned to minor league rehab (1):

Left-Handed Pitcher (1): Roenis Elías

Released (1):

Right-Handed Pitcher (1): Gerson Bautista

What was your opinion of the roster moves made by the Seattle Mariners on Monday? Were there any decisions in particular which stood out for you? Let us know in the comments section below.