The Seattle Mariners website reported that Jason Bay would remain a Mariner for the 2013 season while Casper Wells was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Sunday, leaving the Trail native as the final outfielder on Seattle's 25-man roster as the team prepares for Monday night's opener against the A's.
Wells, 28, played the last season and a half for the Mariners after being acquired from the Tigers in the Doug Fister deal, but the club opted to go with Bay after the former three-time All-Star played well all spring after signing a one-year deal as a free agent.
Bay, 34, was released by the Mets last year with $19 million still remaining on his contract after three tough seasons in New York, but has been relaxed and productive with the Mariners from the start of camp and said he's eager to do whatever he can to help this season.
"The fresh start is the big thing," he said. "No matter what I was going to do in New York, it wasn't going to be enough to make up for all the things I didn't do. And I understood that. That's why we came to the realization that a clean break was probably best for everybody and I came here knowing and being comfortable I wasn't competing for a starting job.
"I knew that and embraced it," he said. "I consider myself a realist. I look around and see what's going on and know where I stand and what my job is going to be. And I'm excited about it."
Manager Eric Wedge said the veteran Bay was "a better fit" for what the Mariners were looking for going into the season.
"Jason had a good camp for us," said Wedge. "He's a solid veteran player. He's a guy who came in in great shape. Moved around great all spring. Short, quick swing. I liked the way he moved around the bases. I liked the way he moved in the outfield and I like what he brings to the clubhouse. Just a lot of positives there."
Four other players were sent down to the Minor Leagues on Sunday: right-handed reliever Danny Farquhar, catcher Jesus Sucre, infielder Brad Miller and veteran outfielder Endy Chavez.