Eric Byrnes, who was released by the Mariners earlier this month, told Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle that he is done playing baseball.

"People keep asking me, 'Are you really done' " with baseball?" Byrnes said. "I'm beyond OK with (retirement). This is awesome for me." Byrnes, 34, is currently playing every Wednesday in a slow-pitch softball league in Menlo Park, California and figures to find a career in broadcasting once he's ready.

Eric Byrnes, who was released by the Mariners on Sunday, told MLB.com that he may retire.

"I think this is the end," Byrnes said on Wednesday. "You never say never, but I think this is it. Parts of 11 seasons, man -- I gave everything I had to the game. I can look myself in the mirror and know that I gave it my all. I'm proud of that." Byrnes, 34, has a .258/.320/.439 batting line in the major leagues, but played a crucial role in helping the Diamondbacks make it to the NLCS in 2007. Injuries have slowed him in recent seasons and the Mariners gave up on him over the weekend after he batted just 094/.237/.156 over 38 at-bats.

Mariners released OF Eric Byrnes.

Byrnes was making the major league minimum with Seattle, but was still overpaid. Turn your eyes from this batting line if you must: .094/.237/.156 through 38 at-bats. Conceivably, he could latch on with another club's Triple-A affiliate, but perhaps Byrnes will decide to hang it up. He hasn't been productive since 2007.

Eric Byrnes is starting in left field against the Athletics on Tuesday, while Milton Bradley will be the designated hitter.

Ken Griffey Jr, who was the designated hitter in Monday's opener, sits against the lefty Dallas Braden.