PEORIA, Ariz. — The Seattle Mariners placed Cesar Jimenez on the 15-day disabled list and optioned Garrett Olson to Class AAA Tacoma on Wednesday, likely leaving the team without a left-hander in the bullpen to start the season.

The Mariners also sent right-hander Randy Messenger and infielder Chris Shelton, who hit .460 in 25 spring games, to their minor league camp. Later in the day, the Mariners outrighted Mike Morse to Triple-A Tacoma and returned left-handed pitcher Jose Lugo to the Minnesota Twins after both cleared waivers.

Morse was on Seattle’s 40-man roster and Lugo was taken by Seattle in the Rule 5 Draft. He either had to stay with the Mariners for the entire 2009 season or be offered back to his original team for $25,000. The moves leave Seattle with 35 players in spring training.

Jimenez was placed on the DL with biceps tendinitis, retroactive to March 29. Manager Don Wakamatsu said the team wants Jimenez to be able to throw two innings out of the bullpen and his arm is not able to pitch that long yet.

Olson struggled in two of his last three spring relief appearances, including giving up two runs in two innings on Tuesday.

With Jimenez’s arm problems, Olson’s struggles and the decision to return Lugo to Minnesota, it appears the Mariners will start the regular season without a lefty in its bullpen, although Wakamatsu hasn’t made final roster decisions.

“We’re still a day or two off,” he said.

Shelton was a bright spot for the Mariners during the spring, but was caught in a numbers game with veterans Mike Sweeney and Russell Branyan ahead at Shelton’s main position, first base. Still the high average wasn’t enough to supplant the veterans.

“He showed a lot and did a great job here,” Wakamatsu said. “It’s just more our options at the major-league level and the direction we’re heading, and we felt more comfortable he go down to Triple-A and continue to be accessible.”

Morse missed nearly the entire 2008 season after have reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder. Versatile as an infielder or outfielder, Morse struggled at times this spring and didn’t seem to fit with Wakamatsu’s style. Morse hit .275 in 22 games this spring.

Lugo appeared in 11 spring games and posted solid numbers. Lugo didn’t allow an earned run in his final six spring appearances, but didn’t fit with Seattle’s future plans for left-handed relief.

The Mariners are hoping Jimenez can get healthy and that Tyler Johnson’s recovery from shoulder surgery continues to move forward giving them a pair of left-handed options in the bullpen.