Mariners notebook: Justin De Fratus released, Seattle running low on righty relief

The Mariners have released right-handed reliever Justin De Fratus, who was signed in the offseason to a Major League deal worth $750,000. With the move the Mariners spring training roster is now at 49 and the 40-man roster at 38.

The hope was De Fratus would bounce back from a disastrous 2015 and show something closer to the 2.39 ERA and 8.37 K/9 he did in 2014. Some of his struggles in 2015 were attributed to pitching more frequently and in longer outings. The Mariners were not looking at him as a setup man, however, and needed him to be able to go longer.

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This spring he faced 28 batters, giving up three earned runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out four but did not look particularly sharp. Out of options, had he remained with the club he would have had to make the final 25-man roster or be exposed to waivers.

With today’s move, plus Evan Scribner and Ryan Cook dealing with lat injuries, the Mariners now have just 10 right-handed relievers left in camp, not including Steve Cishek and Joaquin Benoit, who have spots locked down. With three right-handed spots to fill, these are the options.

• Jonathon Aro

• Casey Coleman

• Mayckol Guaipe

• Cody Martin

• Blake Parker

• Joel Peralta

• Donn Roach

• Adrian Sampson

• Joe Wieland

• Tony Zych

Zych has all but been penciled in for one of the roles. He’s had a couple of rocky outings but I don’t believe there is any panic there. Peralta has pitched perhaps better than expected and is in good position to win a spot. Parker has yet to allow a run and has walked just one while striking out six in four innings. Roach and Wieland, who came into camp as more likely minor league depth, have also performed well and could get a closer look.

There could be opportunity for one of these pitchers, or we could see someone brought in from the outside. As I said before today’s move, there is little doubt general manager Jerry Dipoto is looking for help.

Lineup!

Nori Aoki, LF

Luis Sardinas, 3B

Robinson Cano, 2B

Nelson Cruz, RF

Franklin Gutierrez, DH

Chris Iannetta, C

Efren Navarro, 1B

Shawn O’Malley, SS

Leonys Martin, CF

Hisashi Iwakuma, P

Adam Lind was originally in the lineup at DH but was scratched because of the flu that is going around camp…Shawn O’Malley is making his first start at short this spring…Jesus Montero is listed as the sub at first base today. The at-bats between those who are battling for the platoon spot at first have been pretty evenly distributed with Montero and Stefen Romero each receiving 25 and Dae Ho-Lee 21.

Note

• Mike Montgomery is scheduled to make his first appearance out of the pen today. Others who should get innings include Vidal Nuno, Coleman, Guaipe and Zych.