This just in.

The Mariners have just released left-handed reliever Hong-Chih Kuo and now have an open spot on the 40-man roster.

Kuo struggled most of the Cactus league pre-season and had a 17.55 ERA in 6.2 innings, allowing five home runs and a .417 batting average against.

The move leaves the Mariners with 39 players in their Major League camp: 31 roster players and 8 non-roster invitees.

Kuo was signed as a free agent last month.

You've got to think his cut today increases the chances of Lucas Luetge making the team.

Bob Condotta on the Seattle times blog mentioned that...

"If he clears waivers, it sounds as if the Mariners would be willing to sign him as a minor leaguer."