The Mariners, auditioning more than a handful of players for spots at the back of the starting rotation, announced yesterday they would not be giving one of those valuable spots to veteran right-hander Jon Garland. His release was a mere formality. Per the team’s official Twitter, they also released former power threat Mike Jacobs:
Mariners make two roster moves: grant requested releases to RHP Jon Garland and INF Mike Jacobs. Spring roster now at 32 (27 + 5).
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 23, 2013
There will be some interest in Garland by teams with rotation problems of their own. For example, Troy Renck tweeted about the Rockies’ “lukewarm” interest, but were not convinced he can stay healthy for an entire season.
Garland last pitched in the Majors in 2011, racking up just 54 innings before succumbing to a right shoulder injury which required surgery.
