Mariners Option Two Pitchers to Tacoma, Trim Roster to 55

The Seattle Mariners trimmed their spring training roster to 55 players Friday afternoon, optioning right-hander Troy Taylor and left-hander Josh Simpson to Triple-A Tacoma while reassigning right-hander Casey Lawrence and infielder Carson Taylor to minor-league camp.

Taylor's spring numbers made the decision straightforward. In five appearances, he allowed nine hits, three walks, and a hit batter, struggling to keep runners off base throughout camp. Despite the rough spring, the organization still views him as a valuable bullpen piece, and the option to Tacoma gives him a chance to sharpen his command in the Pacific Coast League.

No spring statistics were available for Simpson, who joins Taylor in the Rainiers bullpen after the left-hander's own option assignment.

Lawrence heads to Tacoma in a different capacity. The veteran right-hander will slot into the Rainiers' starting rotation, a role the organization has earmarked for him as a depth starter. Lawrence is familiar with that function within the system and is expected to provide length and innings for Tacoma as the Rainiers open their season.

Carson Taylor, an infielder, was among the reassignments to minor-league camp rather than receiving an outright option, as was Lawrence.

These moves follow a series of earlier cuts as Seattle narrows its roster ahead of Opening Day. The Mariners are also monitoring the return of outfielder Randy Arozarena, closer Andrés Muñoz, and assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes from the World Baseball Classic, with Mexico having been eliminated Wednesday in Houston. Manager Dan Wilson said he did not have an exact timeline for when the three would rejoin the Peoria camp.

Spring training scheduling in the Arizona desert is also becoming a logistical concern. Forecast highs next week are expected to reach 97 degrees Tuesday, climbing to 102 Wednesday, 104 Thursday, 107 Friday, and 108 on Sunday. Seattle's March 20 game against the Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark has already been shifted to a 6:05 p.m. start to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat, with additional schedule changes likely as temperatures continue to climb.