ARLINGTON -- Catcher Mike Zunino and left-hander James Paxton, two prominent players in the Mariners' long-term plans, highlight the 25-man Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers roster that was released Monday.
The Rainiers open their season Thursday, and the roster will include a number of players who've played for Seattle in the past. In addition to Zunino and Paxton, that list includes relievers Mayckol Guaipe and David Rollins, infielders Shawn O'Malley and Chris Taylor and outfielder Stefen Romero.
The club will also include outfielder Boog Powell, ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the Mariners' No. 8 prospect.
Many of the Mariners' top prospects will open at Double-A Jackson, including right-hander Edwin Diaz, the club's No. 2 ranked prospect, outfielder Tyler O'Neill (No. 4) and first baseman D.J. Peterson (No. 6). Guillermo Heredia, an outfielder from Cuba who signed with the Mariners in February, will play for Jackson, as will first baseman Justin Seager, the younger brother of Kyle Seager.
Class A Advanced Bakersfield's roster will include shortstop Drew Jackson (No. 3) and right-hander Andrew Moore (No. 10), while Class A Clinton has outfielder Braden Bishop (No. 9).
Former first-round pick Danny Hultzen is opening the season on the disabled list with Jackson, while top prospect Alex Jackson will open the year in extended spring camp. Jackson, 20, split last year between Clinton and Class A Short-Season Everett, but he hit just .157 in 28 games for Clinton.