:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2030279/151477220.0.jpg)
The Seattle Mariners have designated first baseman and designated hitter Luis Jimenez to Triple-A Tacoma, freeing up a spot on their 40-man roster. Larry Stone of the Seattle Times was the first to report the news on Thursday afternoon.
The Mariners now have 38 players on the 40-man roster, giving them some room to work with in the offseason. Jimenez, 30, appeared in just seven games with Seattle this season, recording one hit, four strikeouts and one walk in 17 plate appearances. He batted .285 with 12 homers and an .831 OPS with Tacoma. Jimenez has played in the minor leagues and Japan for most of the last 12 years.
Given the limited range of positions he is able to play, it appears his career may be winding down. There is a chance he becomes a bench player for Seattle in 2013, although, he'll have to impress in spring training in order to win a spot.