The Mariners have released veteran hitters Rob Refsnyder and Mitch Garver, a source tells MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer. The club later confirmed the moves this afternoon.
Refsnyder’s roster spot will be filled by outfielder Taylor Ward, whom the Mariners acquired in a trade with the Orioles on Monday. Garver’s role as the team’s backup catcher will instead go to Jhonny Pereda, who will be recalled from Triple-A Tacoma.
Refsnyder signed a one-year deal with the Mariners in free agency last offseason. He was brought on due to his strong track record against left-handed pitching, but he batted just .140 with a .465 OPS in 53 games with Seattle, including a .147/.222/.284 slash line against lefties. He also missed a month of action with right knee inflammation before being activated from the injured list on July 28.
Garver, who rejoined the team on a Minor League deal this past February and has spent three seasons with Seattle, recorded a .175/.302/.294 slash line in 50 games while backing up starting catcher Cal Raleigh.
Pereda, 30, has played 19 games with the Mariners this season, batting .270 with a .689 OPS.