Mariners move closer to determining the back-up catcher spot with five roster moves

Mariners catcher David Freitas in the bullpen on the first day pitchers and catchers workout, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, in Peoria, Ariz. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times)PEORIA, Ariz. — The Mariners made roster moves to cut five players from Major League spring training as they get closer and closer to opening day and setting their 25-man roster.

“Paring our roster down a little and making sure we’ve got innings for guys projected to make our club,” manager Scott Servais said.

The most notable move was optioning catcher David Freitas to Class AAA Tacoma, winnowing down the competitors for the back-up spot. It leaves just two catchers in camp competing for the back-up spot — Michael Marjama and…