The Mariners granted Romero his release Friday to allow him to pursue an opportunity to play in Japan.

Romero played in just nine games with the Mariners in 2016 and evidently had little hope for an expanded role next season. The 28-year-old has a strong track record of success at the Triple-A level, with a .299/.347/.514 line in parts of four seasons, but those numbers come with the grain of salt that accompanies all numbers posted in the Pacific Coast League.

Romero was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

Romer's performance was underwhelming during his limited action with the Mariners. Over nine games, Romero went 4-for-17 with four strikeouts. However, he'll return to Tacoma, where he owns a stellar /.314/.371/.551 line with 19 home runs and 80 RBI.

Romero is in the lineup for Friday's matchup with the Brewers.

The Mariners will waste no time putting the recently called up Romero to work. He will man first base and hit sixth in the order. He has recorded just three hits in 15 at-bats with the Mariners this season.

Romero was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

This move was made subsequently to the team optioning Dae-Ho Lee. Romero has been from in Tacoma since June 6. He is slashing .314/.371/.551 for the Rainiers on the season. He also has three hits in 15 at-bats with the Mariners.

Romero was optioned back to Triple-A Tacoma on Monday.

Romero was recalled late last month and appeared in eight games for the Mariners, going 3-for-15 with two RBI and four strikeouts. With Ketel Marte (thumb) officially activated from the DL on Monday, Romero will head back to Triple-A to free up a spot on the 25-man roster.

Romero was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma and will start in left field Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The Mariners placed Leonys Martin on the 15-day disabled list Friday and recalled Romero in a corresponding move. Shawn O'Malley and Norichika Aoki are both expected to help in center with Martin sidelined, while Romero figures to see occasional starts in the corners against left-handed pitching.

Romero, as expected, was demoted to Triple-A Tacoma on Monday.

Romero gave a good fight for the backup first-base job, but he never really had a chance. He has options left whereas Dae-Ho Lee had an opt-out clause in his contact if he didn't make the 40-man. Romero would have really had to dominate for the team to risk losing Lee when they could easily park Romero at Triple-A. He'll likely be up at some point this season. He needs to continue to improve his contact and strikeout rates.

Romero (back) is in the lineup for Monday's spring game, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.

Romero missed the last few days with back tightness, but he is ready to return to action Monday. He is making a push for a spot on the Opening Day roster, going 12-for-25 (.480) with a home run and seven RBI.

Romero (back) is dealing with back tightness and will not play Friday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

The issue doesn't appear to be anything too serious, but Romero will likely miss a few days, as he's not listed in the tentative lineup for Saturday's split-squad game. It remains to be seen whether the issue will impact his standing with the major league club as Opening Day approaches.

Romero (knee) is available for Sunday's Cactus League game against the Rangers, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.

Romero is scheduled to enter the game as a backup in right field, a week after a knee injury sidelined him. He'll look to shake off the rust and put himself back in the conversation for an Opening Day roster spot.

Romero did some light work Saturday as he recovers from a bruised right knee.

Romero got hit with a hard line drive while playing first base on Thursday. Manager Scott Servais said the leg is "tender," but there's a chance he'll be ready to play Sunday. Romero is in the running for a platoon job at first base, but he likely will start the season at Triple-A Tacoma. He still has minor-league options, while his competitors -- Dae-Ho Lee, Jesus Montero, Gaby Sanchez -- will be released if they don't make the roster. The Mariners aren't likely to lose one of those for Romero, whom they can stash at Triple-A.

Romero (knee) is expected to return to workouts Saturday, Bob Dutton of the News Tribune reports.

Romero will look to return to action soon after and continue to compete for playing time in the outfield and as a platoon partner at first base with Adam Lind. Right now it is likely that the 27-year-old begins the season in Triple-A since he has an option remaining, whereas Jesus Montero is all out of options.

Romero took a line drive to the knee in the fifth inning of Wednesday's game, but appears to have come out with only a bruise, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

This is good news for the 27-year-old, as he is currently in the midst of competing for the Mariners' first base job. It's a long shot for him to win the backup job, but at least an injury won't be hindering him for the time being.

Romero will work at first base during spring training with the intention of landing on the Mariners' final 25-man roster, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Primarily an outfielder throughout his career, Romero began working with a first-base mitt after the club asked him to add the position to his repertoire. Even if he makes the roster, though, his major league batting average (.192 in 198 at-bats) resides below the Mendoza Line, meaning the likely lack of at-bats in a platoon with Adam Lind doesn't lend itself to relevance. In any case, Romero will look to break through after batting .292 with 17 homers in 476 at-bats at Triple-A Tacoma last season.