Wilkerson, Norton cut by Mariners

SEATTLE – Right fielder Brad Wilkerson and pinch-hitter Greg Norton were cut Wednesday by the Seattle Mariners, who promoted catching prospect Jeff Clement and power-hitting outfielder Wladimir Balentien from Triple-A Tacoma.

Following Tuesday night’s 7-2 win over Cleveland, Mariners manager John McLaren suggested changes were imminent.

“It was time,” he said before Wednesday night’s game. “We haven’t had much going. We felt it was time to bring new blood in. I’m anxious to see these kids play.”

Wilkerson signed a $3 million, one-year contract and was batting .232 with five RBIs in 19 games.

Norton, who made $550,000, was 7 for 16 (.438) in six games. The team has 10 days to trade Wilkerson and Norton, release them or assign them outright to the minor leagues.

Balentien, 23, hit three home runs Monday night for Tacoma, his second game back after missing more than a week with a bruised left knee. The 2007 Pacific Coast League rookie of the year was hitting .254 with six homers and 20 RBIs in 17 games at Triple-A.He was in the lineup Wednesday night and hit a three-run homer.

“He’s the right fielder,” McLaren said.

The 24-year-old Clement was batting .397 with eight doubles, five homers and 20 RBIs in 23 games with Tacoma.

– Associated Press