As part of the bench makeover the Mariners are currently going through, they have released righty Ricky Orta to free up a 40-man roster spot for one of their recent call-ups, according to a team press release.  Those promoted were infielder Josh Wilson and outfielder Ryan Langerhans to take Orta’s and Eric Byrnes‘ spot.

Orta, 25, posted a 1.94 ERA, 8.9 K/9, and 3.9 BB/9 in 41.6 Double A innings last year.  In parts of four minor league season, Orta recorded a 14-1 record and a 4.48 ERA.  Baseball America ranked Orta 27th among Mariners prospects heading into the season, expecting him to make a big league club as a reliever.  However, he had Tommy John surgery in the spring.  For all you Orta fans, this move was made as the M’s needed a roster spot and Orta was going to be disabled for the entire season.  If Orta doesn’t re-sign with the M’s, he will definitely get another shot once he shows his arm is healthy.