After designating John Olerud for assignment on July 15th, Seattle released the first baseman yesterday. Olerud hoped that by refusing to waive his no-trade clause he would be able to finish the season in Seattle, where his family resides. While he was disinclined to waive his no-trade clause, the Mariners chose to let Olerud go without receiving any compensation rather than dedicate a roster spot to him through the end of the season. With the 2004 playoffs considered out of reach, Seattle is committed to using the remainder of the year to evaluate talent available to help them next season.

Olerud's contact rate and power slipped again this season, dropping the 35-year-old's production below the levels to which the Mariners were accustomed. Although Olerud's expressed interest in retiring in the near future, he wants to finish out this season before making his decision, so he likely will sign with a new team before the end of the month even though that will take him away from his family.

Designating Olerud and Pat Borders for assignment allowed Seattle to call up Bucky Jacobsen and activate Miguel Olivo from the disabled list.

George Sherrill also joined the major league team on the 15th, taking the place of Matt Thornton, who the Mariners sent down on July 12th.