The Mariners designated outfielder Francisco Martinez for assignment, according to a team press release. The move opens a 40-man roster spot for infield prospect Nick Franklin. In addition to selecting Franklin's contract, the Mariners also optioned Dustin Ackley and Lucas Luetge and recalled Hector Noesi.
Martinez, 22, was hitting .206/.242/.254 in 136 Double-A plate appearances. Two years ago, Martinez, Charlie Furbush, Casper Wells, and Chance Ruffin were traded by the Tigers to the Mariners for pitchers Doug Fister and David Pauley. In 293 2/3 innings since the trade, Fister has a 3.10 ERA, 7.5 K/9, 1.6 BB/9, and 0.64 HR/9 for the Tigers, and he remains under their control through 2015. Fister's ERA since the trade is 13th in all of baseball among those with 250 innings. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski acquired four-plus years of something close to an ace, while Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik is left with reliever Furbush and converted starter Ruffin.
