THURSDAY: The Mariners have released Shoppach, MLB.com's Greg Johns tweets. Shoppach is now on release waivers, and teams have until Saturday to decide whether to claim him.
FRIDAY: The Mariners have issued a press release announcing that they have signed veteran Henry Blanco to a Major League contract and designated Kelly Shoppach for assignment.
Blanco, 41, is joining his 11th different Major League team. The veteran hit just .184/.262/.263 in 15 games (43 plate appearances) for the Blue Jays this season before being designated for assignment and ultimately released on Tuesday. He's seen time with the Cubs, D-backs, Braves, Brewers, Twins, Mets, Rockies, Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays previously. Blanco owns a career batting line of .226/.291/.366.
Shoppach, 33, hit .196/.293/.346 with three homers in 35 games for the Mariners this season. He's been leaned upon heavily since the demotion of Jesus Montero, but rookie Mike Zunino figures to get the lion's share of playing time from this point forward. In his career, the right-handed-hitting Shoppach has hit .261/.355/.501 in 641 plate appearances against left-handed pitching.
Charlie Wilmoth contributed to this post.
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