Mariners notebook: Seager just about ready for action

By Shannon Drayer

PEORIA, Ariz. – Kyle Seager has been missing from the Mariners’ lineups since jamming a finger on a head-first slide into third base during the first game of the spring.

“It wasn’t exactly a textbook slide, but its fine,” said Seager, who expects to be able to participate in a full workout Monday.

The injury occurred on a single by Robinson Cano and was actually a nice first-to-third by Seager, who isn’t a speed guy but runs well. He failed to stick the landing, however, diving head-first into the bag and rolling over his hand. He took little solace in the fact that he was safe.

“There wasn’t even a throw, which adds insult to injury,” he said sheepishly.

Seager is scheduled to be back in the lineup Tuesday when the Mariners travel to Glendale to take on the Dodgers.

Let’s play two!

Split-squad action Monday for the Mariners, who will be playing at home and in Goodyear.

Home lineup vs. Rockies

Abraham Almonte, 8
Nick Franklin 6
Robinson Cano, 4
Justin Smoak, 3
Corey Hart, DH
Dustin Ackley, 7
Xavier Avery, 9
Willie Bloomquist, 5
Humberto Quintero, 2

Blake Beavan

Away lineup vs. Reds

Endy Chavez, 8
Brad Miller, 6
Logan Morrison, 3
Jesus Montero, DH
Michael Saunders, 9
Stefen Romero, 7
Nate Tenbrink, 5
Mike Zunino, 2
Carlos Triunfel, 4

Erasmo Ramirez

Of note: Logan Morrison makes his debut in the field, playing first in the away game. The battle of the shortstops finds both candidates hitting second. Manager Lloyd McClendon will manage the Peoria game.

Saunders roaming the corners

I find it a little bit curious that we have yet to see Michael Saunders in center field. McClendon said Monday morning that was just how things have worked out so far and that we would see him some in center at some point, but it would appear they are giving Abraham Almonte a good look. Saunders profiles defensively better on the corners and the thought last year was they would move him there and put Dustin Ackley in center. McClendon has other ideas for that, saying that Ackley will be limited to left so we could see more of Saunders in center than originally planned. I will have more on this in a post later Monday.

Blue 48!

With Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in camp with the Rangers Monday, McClendon was asked by a visiting reporter if the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl could have any effect on the Mariners.

“No,” he answered. “We can’t make any tackles and we can’t run anyone over at the plate anymore.”