The Seattle Mariners suddenly have a need for a long man in their bullpen after Trent Thornton tore his Achilles last week. As if on cue, the Chicago Cubs gave them a potential option on Monday by releasing Chris Flexen.
The news of the former Mariner's release was picked up on by Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors, who further reported that the 31-year-old declined an outright assignment to the minors following his designation for assignment last week. He will be paid the remainder of his $1.5 million salary.
Any team that wants to sign Flexen on a major league deal would only have to pay him a prorated portion of the $760,000 minimum salary.