Mariners announce release of Munenori Kawasaki; decline option on Miguel Olivo

The Seattle Mariners released Munenori Kawasaki and declined to pick up the team option on Miguel Olivo's contract on Thursday, Curtis Crabtree reports.

Kawasaki, a 31-year-old infielder, played in 61 games during the 2012 season. He batted .192 and knocked in seven RBI. This past season was Kawasaki's only year in the MLB, and he made his debut at shortstop on March 2 against the Oakland Athletics.

Olivo is a 10-year MLB veteran who has spent time with the Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies. After a stint in Seattle from 2004-05, Olivo returned to the Mariners in 2011.

The catcher held a batting average of .222 to go with 12 home runs and 29 RBI last season in 87 games. At 34 years old, Olivo's production dropped from 2011, when he played in 130 games and produced 19 home runs and 62 RBI.

Olivo's option was worth $3 million.