PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Mariners made three roster moves on Monday while clearing up numerous questions heading into the regular season, as left-hander James Paxton, infielder Chris Taylor and outfielder/first baseman Stefen Romero were optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
Paxton's departure clears the way for right-hander Nathan Karns to be the No. 5 starter. With Taylor headed to Tacoma, 22-year-old Luis Sardinas has claimed the utility-infielder role. And Romero's absence means Korean slugger Dae-Ho Lee is the backup first baseman, or at least "it's leaning that way," according to manager Scott Servais.