The Mariners have signed first baseman Efren Navarro to a minor-league contract with an invite to big-league camp, general manager Jerry Dipoto announced Wednesday.
Navarro, 29, is expected to be in uniform and available to play in the Cactus League opener this afternoon against the San Diego Padres. By signing Navarro, the Mariners have 60 players in big-league camp -- 40 roster players, 19 non-roster invitees and catcher Jesus Sucre, who was placed earlier this week on the 60-day disabled list with a broken leg.
Navarro was designated for assignment Feb. 25 by the Baltimore Orioles, then refused an outright assignment to the minor leagues and became a free agent.