Nelson Cruz not in Mariners’ lineup vs Nationals

Nelson Cruz is not in the Mariners’ lineup for their game against the Nationals on Wednesday. Danny Valencia will assume Cruz’s cleanup spot as Seattle faces right-hander Tanner Roark.

Cruz has been dealing with a sore hamstring, and with the Mariners playing in a National League park, he would have to play in the outfield in order to get in the lineup. Cruz is available to pinch-hit Wednesday, according to Shannon Drayer.

Pregame coverage is underway on 710 ESPN Seattle with first pit scheduled for 4:05.

The Mariners’ lineup:

Jean Segura, SS
Kyle Seager, 3B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Danny Valencia, 1B
Ben Gamel, RF
Guillermo Heredia, LF
Mike Zunino, C
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Sam Gaviglio, RHP

The Mariners made a handful of roster moves Wednesday. The first were to acquire outfielder Andrew Aplin from Houston and designate pitcher Chris Heston for assignment. The Mariners also recalled Rob Whalen from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned Emilio Pagan in a swap of right-handed pitchers.

Also Wednesday, the Mariners and Nationals announced that Thursday’s series finale has been moved up to a 9:05 a.m. PST start because of weather concerns. First pitch was originally scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

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