Mariners’ Aardsma clears waivers, becomes free agent

Published 5:19 pm Monday, October 31, 2011

SEATTLE — Injured Seattle Mariners closer David Aardsma cleared waivers and became a free agent on Monday as the club chose not to go into salary arbitration as he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his elbow.

The Mariners also outrighted reliever Jeff Gray, but he was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.

Additionally, the club reinstated center fielder Franklin Gutierrez and catcher Adam Moore off the 60-day disabled list, which puts them back on the 40-man roster.

Aardsma did not pitch in the majors during the 2011 season. He had offseason surgery to repair a labrum tear in his left hip, then suffered an arm injury and had Tommy John surgery in July. He recorded 69 saves in two seasons with the Mariners, fourth-most in club history.

Gutierrez played in 92 games and hit .224, while Moore missed most of the year after suffering a knee injury in April.

Aardsma, 29, would have been owed at least $3.6 million in arbitration by the Mariners while not being able to pitch until midseason, so he understands why he was waived, and he didn’t rule out a potential return.

“I loved my time in Seattle,” Aardsma said. “I love the fans and thank (general manager) Jack Zduriencik for giving me the opportunity to have a job and become a closer. I want to thank all the fans in Seattle for their support.

“It’s not fun (being released), but it’s part of the job and this is going to be the next step. It doesn’t mean I won’t be back. This is one of those things we all knew was coming because of the situation. It doesn’t close any doors, it just opens more.”