BOSTON — Back in the big leagues, Seattle Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez is having the time of his life even if it comes sliced these days in bite-sized pieces as he continues to deal with health issues.
“I’m doing great, man,” Gutierrez said Sunday after hitting two homers and helping the Mariners escape a rough weekend at Fenway Park with a 10-8 victory in 12 innings.
“Every time I come here and prepare myself, even if I’m not playing, just prepare myself to be ready in any situation of the game. That’s it, man. I’m just enjoying being here again.”
Gutierrez exited Sunday’s game after seven innings, which prompted the unending question: Did it have anything to do with his ongoing battle with ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine?
The answer: Somewhat.
“Guti is OK,” manager Lloyd McClendon said, “but you’ve got to manage it. You want him to play (Monday). All the factors that are involved. It’s hot out. A lot of running today.
“We thought we had a safe-enough lead that we could get him out of there and get him rested. Get him hydrated again, and he’ll be ready to go again (Monday).”
As it turned out, the 8-6 lead at the time wasn’t safe enough. Even so, Gutierrez, 32, said he understands the concern.
“I was fine,” he said. “He took me out, I guess, because (Monday) we’re facing another lefty. I just want to prepare for (Monday), too.”
And Gutierrez admits the rest helps: “It gives you time to feel better.”
When he does play, Gutierrez is producing: He is batting .313 with seven homers and 18 RBI in 31 games since his June 24 arrival from Triple-A Tacoma, where he honed his skills after sitting out all of last season.
Gutierrez’s two homers Sunday were to center field and right field.
“It is a good sign, man,” he said, “because most of the pitchers, they throw away. When you start hitting the ball all over the place, it’s great for me as a hitter. I guess because I’ve gained a little more weight, I’m stronger now.”
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