Another big roster move for the Mariners today as they just sent out a release saying Jose Vidro has been designated for assignment by general manager Lee Pelekoudas. He will be replaced on the 25-man roster by Wladimir Balentien, who has been called up and is available to play tonight.

Seattle now has 10 days to trade, release, option or assign Vidro outright to the minors.

"We appreciate all of Jose's hard work and professionalism," Pelekoudas said in the release. "We wanted to have every opportunity to try and trade him. Even though that opportunity may still exist, now that we've passed the July 31 deadline it was important for us to continue our transition into a club that is looking towards the 2009 season, even as we try to win as many games as possible this season."

This will be Balentien's second stint with the Mariners this season. He batted .196 (21x107) with 4 doubles and 4 home runs in 32 games from April 30-June 16. In 44 games after being optioned back to AAA Tacoma, Balentien batted .270 (46x170) with 12 home runs and 35 RBI. He leaves Tacoma with a current 8-game hitting streak (.333/11x33, 3 HR), including a solo home run last night.

Vidro, 33 (turns 34 Aug. 27), was batting .234 (72x308) with 11 doubles, 7 home runs and 45 RBI in 85 games. Acquired prior to the 2007 season from Washington, Vidro combined to hit .285 (244x856) with 13 home runs and 104 RBI in 232 games as a Mariner.