Mariners DFA Jason Bay to make room for Michael Morse

Bad Jason. Jason, Mariners are talking to you. J-J-J-JASON, MARINERS ARE TALKING TO YOU! (voorhees a jolly good…)

It was obvious the Mariners were facing a tough choice when it came time to activate Michael Morse, and they’ve made it: Jason Bay was designated for assignment this morning. Morse was recalled from his rehab assignment and activated from the 15-day disabled list, where he has been since injuring his right quad on June 22. Morse will join the team on Tuesday in Boston, when they begin a six-game road trip against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Bay, 34, was attempting to resurrect his career in Seattle after some down years in New York with the Mets, including a .165 average in 70 games in 2012. He made the Mariners out of spring training as a non-roster player and had his moments in the first half, but his playing time, and productivity, had begun to diminish.

In 68 games, Bay hit .204 (42-for-206) with 11 homers and 20 runs batted in. Bay was just 3-for-29 with one double and one homer in July.  The Mariners now have 10 days to trade, release or outright the contract of Bay to the minors. He is a three-time All-Star who exceeded 3o homers and 100 RBIs three times in his career.