The Mariners have announced that outfielder Eric Thames has been designated for assignment. The move clears a 40-man roster spot for fellow outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will come off the 60-day disabled list. Gutierrez will replace Michael Morse on the active roster, with Morse landing on the 15-day DL.
Thames had yet to appear in the big leagues this season, and owns a career line of .250/.296/.431/ in 684 plate appearances with the Blue Jays and Mariners. The 26-year-old is currently slashing .295/.382/.479 with Triple-A Tacoma.
