Jack Hannahan was designated for assignment just now. The purpose was to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Eliezer Alfonzo who was added to both the 40 and active roster as Josh Bard has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.
The Mariners had some easy fluff to trim off the 40-man if they felt the need so hopefully this is more about their view that Hannahan is not going to be grabbed by anyone. That's not a terribly unlikely scenario as he has battled some injuries and would need the ball to have a severe head cold for him to come anywhere near hitting the snot out of it.
Still, it's a blow to his chances of making a big league appearance in Mariner slate gray/royal blue this season since he would have to stay with the organization through this DFA and then eventually get re-added to the 40-man roster.
Alfonzo has previously spent time with, who else, the Padres. He's been mildly decent at hitting in Triple-A and a borderline national emergency when trying to do it in the big leagues. He's 31 and isn't a switch hitter. I don't know how his defense rates, but he strikes me as Josh Bard if you removed all the endearing parts. Also, Alfonzo has no semblance of plate discipline. Or contact skills. And pretty middling power. This guy has shuttled around the PCL for a reason and unfortunately that reason has nothing to do with his personality and everything to do with lackluster baseball skills.