Mariners demote catcher Zunino following firing of Jack Z

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners demoted struggling catcher Mike Zunino to the minor leagues Friday, the Seattle Times reports, following the announcement that the team's general manager was fired. 

According to the report, Zunino will head to Class AAA Tacoma. The Mariners have called up 26-year-old catcher John Hicks.

Zunino, 23, was the third overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. He has struggled mightily in his second full season, batting just .174 in 112 games.

The announcement follows news that the team has fired former general manager Jack Zduriencik.