In 2016, Shawn O’Malley was the Mariners go to back up in the infield with his 89 game appearances. Only Franklin Gutierrez played in more games, appearing in 98 contests.
Towards the end of last year, the M’s gave opportunities in the infield to guys that are still on the roster: Mike Freeman and Daniel Vogelbach.
As we now know, Vogelbach will be platooning at first base in 2017 with Danny Valencia. Freeman is still battling for the utility spot -and with O’Malley out- the battle for the position to begin the season as the lead infield backup is between him and Taylor Motter.