The Mariners have released minor league infielder Matt Tuiasosopo, according to a club press release. The move makes room on Seattle's 40-man roster for lefty Cesar Jimenez, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding transaction.
Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik told Tuiasosopo that the release was the result of a roster squeeze and the M's would like to have the 25-year-old back in the spring, tweets Shannon Drayer of ESPN 710 radio in Seattle.
Tuiasosopo, a third-round draft pick in 2004, had spent all of 2011 with Tacoma, where he hit .226/.341./.394 with 14 homers. He played in parts of three seasons with the Mariners from 2008-10, hitting .176/.234/.306 in 210 plate appearances.
