Gallardo and Iwakuma options declined by Mariners
Mariners starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo, on the mound in the first inning against Baltimore, Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at Safeco Field in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/Seattle Times/TNS)
SEATTLE (AP) — The Mariners have declined 2018 options on right-handed pitchers Hisashi Iwakuma and Yovani Gallardo, making both eligible for free agency.
Seattle also claimed utilityman Andrew Romine off waivers from Detroit on Thursday. Romine appeared in 124 games last season for the Tigers. Most of his time was spent in the infield.
Gallardo gets a $2 million buyout payable next July 1 rather than a $13 million salary, which would have included $3 million deferred to July 1, 2021.
Iwakuma receives a $1 million buyout instead of a $10 million salary.
Iwakuma had shoulder troubles for most of the season and never pitched after May 10. He was 0-2 in six starts and had shoulder surgery in late September that will keep him from throwing until late February or early March.
Gallardo shuttled between the starting rotation and bullpen in his one season in Seattle. Gallardo was 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA in 28 games.
Seattle also reinstated pitchers David Phelps and Drew Smyly from the 60-day DL.