Mariners notebook: Scott Servais not panicking after tight losses

Two tough losses in a row, the first series loss since April 11-13 against Texas and the first back-to-back games since April 17-19.

Is it time to talk bounce back for the Mariners?

As expected, the clubhouse this morning looked like it did on any morning following a win this month. In the manager’s office, the sky was not falling.

“I think being my first year as manager, sometimes you can get too caught up in the ebb and flow, the ups and downs of a season,” Scott Servais told Rick Rizzs on the Mariners radio pregame show. “I think the biggest thing for me is to try to stay level-headed, a calm demeanor. The thing with our club, I thought our effort level was outstanding, and that’s what I said to them after the game. If we bring that kind of energy and effort every night, we are going to be fine. We’re going to play some exciting games here in September and hopefully October at Safeco Field and I know our fans are looking forward to it just like we are.”

Related: Have the cracks started to show in the Mariners’ bullpen?

By all accounts, Servais does not talk to his team after games very often. Interesting that he did last night. Not surprising that he pointed to the positive. Relievers are going to have nights like what we saw Friday and Saturday. Servais saw good in the fight coming from his offense and a number of the at-bats; no bullpen performance could erase that.

As for the bullpen, it’s very thin. The Mariners are well aware of that. Immediate help beyond the return of righty Joaquin Benoit does not appear to be available in the organization. Finding outside help this time of the year is not easy, but Jerry Dipoto’s eyes no doubt are open.

They could be short in the back end of the ‘pen Sunday, as Steve Cishek has thrown 55 pitches the last two days and Joel Peralta has given up four runs in the last two days. It wouldn’t be a bad day for Felix to be dominant.

Lineup!

Norichika Aoki, LF
Ketel Marte, SS
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Chris Iannetta C
Kyle Seager, 3B
Dae-Ho Lee, 1B
Franklin Gutierrez RF
Shawn O’Malley CF

Felix Hernandez, RHP

Notes:

• ICYMI, reserve infielder Luis Sardinas has been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma and utility player Shawn O’Malley called up.

• Adam Lind had a big game Saturday, going 2 for 4 with a double, home run and 4 RBI. Beyond the results, Servais liked the approach that he saw from his part-time first baseman.

“He looked really good last night,” Servais said. “His ability to get back into controlling the zone, getting his pitch to hit, laying off some pitcher’s pitches and that’s what affords you to get on a good streak.”

Lind was not in the lineup Sunday with the Angels throwing a lefty, but he should get plenty of starts in the next couple of weeks as the Mariners have very few left-handers projected the rest of the month.

• After struggling mightily against lefties the first few weeks of the season, the Mariners have gone 5-0 in their last 5 games against lefty starters, beating Matt Moore, Drew Smyly, Dallas Keuchel twice and Sean Manaea. The Mariners are now 7-5 in games started by left-handers.

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