Mariners Notebook: Latest on LF battle, injury updates on Kelenic and Elías

Hard to believe, but Mariners pitchers and catchers reported to the Peoria Sports Complex a month ago, and just 13 games remain on the Mariners Cactus League schedule.

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As the pitchers get stretched out, so will the regulars moving forward, staying in games longer and having fewer days out of the lineup. The hitters should get more hits with the adjustment period behind them and more at-bats coming their way, and while the results have not been there in terms of hits, manager Scott Servais sees most beginning to settle in.

“I think overall the quality of our at-bats, I think our swing decisions are good,” he said. “I would like to see us start squaring up a few more balls. As the guys’ timing gets better, hopefully we see that here coming together over the next week or so, but overall I think we are in a pretty good spot camp-wise. I know some guys want to get in a more consistent groove and just barrelling up a few more balls.”

While all hitters want to get there by opening day, those battling for spots might find the issue more pressing. The competition in left field would appear to be wide open with the decision-makers looking well beyond hit totals and strikeouts to find the eventual winner of the spot.

“It’s not just results,” said Servais. “How are they handling the at-bats? How are they handling the play in the outfield, the little things, running the bases? Understanding we are talking about young players, inexperienced players at the major league level, and they continue to learn every day. You get a feel for where guys are at and who you are comfortable with going forward.

“Fortunately for us we’ve got guys who are ready to take the next step, but you want to see them continue to have good at-bats, play well, play with confidence. Again, not the result of the at-bat but how they are going through it. Are they laying off the right pitches? Are they super competitive when they get in the box? Are they grinding through at-bats? Our guys who are fighting for spots are grinding through it.”

Down the stretch these players will get plenty of opportunity to earn the spot, although as always for a team with general manager Jerry Dipoto, one should allow for surprises at the end of spring training.

“I feel good about the group we have, (but) it doesn’t mean that we couldn’t still go out and add to the group we have. We’ll see how it plays out,” said Servais.

Lineup!

Mitch Haniger, RF
Dylan Moore, 2B
Ty France, 3B
Luis Torrens, C
Tom Murphy, DH
J.P. Crawford, SS
Evan White, 1B
Jake Fraley, LF
Sam Haggerty, CF

Justus Sheffield, SP

The Mariners will run that lineup out in Surprise, Ariz., when they play the Royals in a 6:05 p.m. game that will air live on 710 ESPN Seattle. Also, beginning with Tuesday’s contest, every Cactus League game from here on out for the Mariners will be live on 710 (schedule here).

Mariners notes

• Jarred Kelenic (left knee adductor strain) is scheduled to hit against live pitching Tuesday afternoon, and if all goes well should return to game action Wednesday.

• After seeking multiple medical opinions, left-handed reliever Roenis Elías has opted to have surgery on an injury that has yet to be fully disclosed. Elías left a March 11 game with arm discomfort.

“We knew it was pretty serious coming out of the game,” Servais said. “Everyone agrees that it’s probably the only route for him to go at this point. I feel bad for him, he was off to a great start, we know what he can do how he can add to the bullpen. That one hurts. His skill set is very unique, it would have been a nice weapon to have and unfortunately we are not going to have him.”

• Reliever Domingo Tapia, who appeared to have a shot at making the bullpen, has progressed enough in his recovery from an oblique strain that he will play catch on Wednesday for the first time since the injury. He could resume throwing from the mound in a week to 10 days.

• If you were listening to the broadcast of the Mariners’ game Monday, there is little chance you missed this.

this is ADORABLE 🥰 https://t.co/xJGuSGw8Gg

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 15, 2021

“I certainly heard them and there’s no doubt Kyle (Seager) heard them,” said Servais. “I saw him crack a smile after the first pitch was thrown. I think it’s awesome.”

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