Nelson Cruz not in Mariners’ lineup for series opener vs Phillies

Nelson Cruz is not in the Mariners’ lineup Tuesday as they open a two-game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia, which begins at 4:05 on 710 ESPN Seattle.

Cruz has been dealing with a sore hamstring, and with the Mariners playing in a National League park, they don’t have the option of using him as their designated hitter. Manager Scott Servais told reporters that Cruz is available to pinch-hit.

Cruz has been the Mariners’ most productive hitter this season, leading the team in average (.319), home runs (seven), RBIs (28), on-base percentage (.401) and hits (37). Kyle Seager is hitting cleanup in Cruz’s absence while Ariel Miranda (3-2, 3.55 ERA in six starts) is on the hill for the Mariners.

Pregame coverage begins at 3 on 710 ESPN Seattle.

Mariners (15-17)

Jean Segura, SS
Ben Gamel, RF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Kyle Seager, 3B
Danny Valencia, 1B
Guillermo Heredia, LF
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Tuffy Gosewisch, C
Ariel Miranda, LHP

Earlier Tuesday, the Mariners announced that they’ve traded right-handed pitcher Casey Fien to the Phillies for cash considerations. Fien, 33, was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma last week.

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