Major League Baseball

Gutierrez sent to minor league camp by Mariners

Published Mar. 20, 2015 3:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Outfielder Franklin Gutierrez is among 11 players assigned to minor league spring training camp by the Seattle Mariners camp Friday.

The 32-year-old, a Gold Glove centerfielder in 2010, has a minor league contract. After hitting 30 homers with 134 RBIs, 146 runs and 41 steals for Seattle 2009 and `10, Gutierrez was limited to 173 games during the past three years because of injuries. He did not play last season because of a gastrointestinal problem.

Gutierrez has not played since March 7 because of a strained right groin.

Seattle optioned outfielders James Jones and Stefen Romero to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday along with left-hander Lucas Luetge, catcher John Hicks, first baseman Jesus Montero and shortstop Ketel Marte.

Four other non-roster players were assigned to minor league camp: left-hander Rafael Perez, right-hander Justin Germano, and infielders Pat Kivlehan and D.J. Peterson.