The Mariners have released 35-year old righty reliever Joe Nelson. Nelson pitched in 8 games (0 starts) in AAA-ball for the Mariners and he was 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP. He has pitched in 24 games (0 starts) overall for two teams in the minors this year and he is 3-2 with 1 save, a 3.64 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP. The Mariners saw enough out of Nelson to know that he wasn’t going to help them this season but at least he will be free to look for a new job.

24-year old lefty swinging 3B Matt Mangini didn’t come into this season as one of the Mariners’ top 30 prospects but he’s playing like one in AAA. Mangini has played in 73 games in AAA-ball so far this season and he is 76 of 245 (.310 avg, .901 OPS) with 43 runs scored, 10 homers, 41 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. If the Mariners either trade Jose Lopez or he gets hurt look for the Mariners to give Mangini his first shot at the majors. If neither of those things happen the Mariners could call up Mangini when rosters expand in September provided that he keeps playing well in the minors.

The Mariners have released 33-year old righty reliever Mike Koplove. Koplove pitched in 22 games in AAA-ball this season and he was 0-1 with 1 save, a 4.45 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP. The Mariners decided to let Koplove loose as they are going to try to rebuild with youth. This also gives Koplove a chance to sign with a new team.

20-year old righty swinging 2B/SS Carlos Triunfel is having a solid year in the minors for the Mariners. Triunfel came into this season as the Mariners’ #6 rated prospect heading into this season according to Baseball America. He has played in 77 games in AA-ball for the Mariners this season and he is 82 of 290 (.283 avg, .693 OPS) with 36 runs scored, 5 homers and 30 RBIs. Triunfel has now played in 292 games in his four years in the minors and he is 327 of 1,139 (.287 avg, .709 OPS) with 164 runs scored, 13 homers, 126 RBIs and 40 stolen bases.

Recently signed 31-year old righty reliever Scott Patterson is trying to work his way back to the majors with the Mariners. He has pitched in 4 games (0 starts) in AAA-ball so far this season and he is 0-0 with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Patterson’s only taste of the majors came in 2008 with the Padres & Yankees when he worked in 4 games (0 starts) and he was 0-0 with a 1.93 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. Patterson could help out the Mariners’ pen at some point if he keeps pitching well in the minors.