Seattle.Mariners.MLB.com

By Jim Street / MLB.com

Eddie Guardado saved 18 games this season, his first in Seattle. (John Froschauer/AP)

The Mariners closer decided Tuesday to exercise his own option on the three-year contract he signed a year ago, accepting the same $4 million he made last season.

Guardado's decision came one day after the Mariners decided not to exercise their option on the veteran reliever for $6 million. He could have had one week to talk to other clubs.

"I'm glad I'll be returning to the Mariners next season," Guardado said. "I understand that they had to make a business decision, but they made it very clear to me that they wanted me back and I appreciate the way they've always dealt with me.

"Last season was a disappointing year for everyone, but especially for me because of my injury. I came here to win and that's what I plan on doing. I appreciate the fans' support and I am looking forward to getting to Spring Training and getting back on track."

Guardado had a 2-2 record and team-leading 2.78 ERA in 41 relief appearances last season, saving 18 games in 25 save opportunities. He went on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 1 with a torn left rotator cuff, which didn't require surgery, and underwent knee surgery on Aug. 24 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The injuries forced the 34-year-old to miss the remainder of the season. But he tested the shoulder and knee during two workout sessions in Peoria, Ariz., in early October and passed with flying colors.

He is expected to be ready to go when Spring Training starts next February and general manager Bill Bavasi said the Mariners are confident that Guardado's shoulder and knee will be fine.

"Eddie has always been part of our plans for next season," Bavasi said. "We had to make a decision on his contract, but by no means does that reflect our desire to have him back. His rehab has come along very well and he is an important piece for us in getting things turned around next season."

The fun-loving Guardado joined the Mariners last season after spending the previous 14 years in the Twins organization. He was one of the most reliable closers in baseball during the 2002 and '03 seasons, saving 45 and 41 games, respectively.

Seattle signed him with the thought of making him the setup man for then-closer Kazuhiro Sasaki in 2004 and then making him the closer in '05. But when Sasaki decided in January to return to Japan, the plans for Guardado were accelerated.

He held opponents scoreless in his first five outings and ended April with four saves in five opportunities and a 0.84 ERA. Guardado had five more saves and a 1.17 ERA in May and six saves and 1.54 ERA in June.

He faltered in July, posting a 10.57 ERA in 7 2/3 innings, the first sign that something was wrong with his shoulder.

The Mariners have two other players -- catcher Dan Wilson and left-hander pitcher Ron Villone -- who are eligible for free agency. But as of Tuesday, neither had filed.

Jim Street is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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