The Mariners Have designated Carlos Triunfel and Xavier Avery for assignment, reports Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times (via Twitter). The moves opened 40-man spots for the club's final Opening Day roster moves.
Both players are 24. Triunfel is a middle infielder on a team that is stocked up the middle. He has only limited MLB experience, but in 413 Triple-A plate appearances last year he was good for a .282/.328/.394 line. Meanwhile, Avery came to Seattle in last year's Michael Morse deal. The speedy former Oriole came in with a chance to earn a spot in the outfield, but did not impress enough in camp to crack the Opening Day roster, or to keep his 40-man spot.
It is worth noting as well that the club has decided to option Nick Franklin to Triple-A, where he is expected to handle the shortstop duties. Franklin has come up frequently in trade rumors, and had been experimenting in the outfield in hopes of landing a big league roster spot.
