How many 40-man roster spots can the Mariners use to put non-roster guys on the roster?

1) As of this moment, the Mariners have 41 men on the 40-man roster.  Franklin Gutierrez is on the “restricted list” and thus does not count against the limit of 40.  They used that slot to add Fernando Rodney.

In other words, it’s full.  No vacancy.

2) But wait!  Danny Hultzen is on it, but he can and will be transferred to the 60-day disabled list as soon the season begins.  That won’t count against the limit.

So there actually is one vacancy.  It’s just being held in their back pocket.

Barring a change in expectations, they are very likely to use that slot for Scott Baker.

So getting Baker on the roster is not an issue.

3) Once we get beyond Baker, though, someone needs to be released or exposed to waivers to make room for additional non-roster players.

Full article at Mariner Brainstorm: here.