BRENT STECKER
Lineups: Nelson Cruz available to pinch hit in Mariners-Braves finale
Aug 23, 2017, 1:34 PM
Nelson Cruz has appeared in the field this season only in games without a DH. (AP)
(AP)
Nelson Cruz is out of the starting lineup for the Mariners in their finale in Atlanta at 4:35 Wednesday, which is their last game scheduled this season in a National League park without a DH.
The Mariners will play Danny Valencia in right field, while Cruz will be available to pinch hit. Seattle’s usual designated hitter, Cruz has only played in the field this season when the Mariners have been visitors against NL teams. He started in right field in Tuesday’s 4-0 loss and had the day off Monday in Atlanta.
Earlier in the day, Seattle designated outfielder Leonys Martin for assignment to make room for the return of relief pitcher David Phelps from the disabled list. That leaves Mitch Haniger, Guillermo Heredia, Ben Gamel, utility man Taylor Motter, Valencia and Cruz as options in the outfield, though Jarrod Dyson could return this weekend from a DL stint for a groin injury.
Coverage for the Mariners’ final game against the Braves begins with the pregame show at 3:30 on 710 ESPN Seattle. Here are the full lineups.
Mariners (64-63)
Jean Segura, SS
Yonder Alonso, 1B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Danny Valencia, RF
Kyle Seager, 3B
Mitch Haniger, LF
Mike Zunino, C
Guillermo Heredia, CF
Erasmo Ramirez, RHP
Braves (56-68)
Ender Inciarte, CF
Brandon Phillips, 3B
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Matt Kemp, LF
Nick Markakis, RF
Tyler Flowers, C
Ozzie Albies, 2B
Dansby Swanson, SS
R.A. Dickey, RHP
| Date | Starting Pitcher |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, June 7 @ 1:10 pm | Mariners' George Kirby RHP vs. Padres' Michael Wacha RHP |
