Mariners’ Aoki starts to find his groove

OAKLAND, Calif. — The most consistent player in the majors over the last four seasons believes he is finally finding his form atop the Seattle Mariners’ lineup.

Left fielder Nori Aoki had two hits and reached base three times Monday in a 4-3 victory over Oakland in the series opener. That marked his first multi-hit game since April 13.

“I think it’s getting better day by day,” said Aoki, who boosted his average to .225. “I feel a lot more comfortable. I just need to stay positive from here on and get on base as much as I can.”

The average is deceptive.

Aoki has 11 walks this season, including nine in his last seven games. His on-base percentage is .317 overall and .483 in his recent surge.

“The key for me,” manager Scott Servais said, “is he’s been walking a ton lately. Even though he wasn’t swinging the bat great, he was still finding a way to get on base. You’re not seeing the wild swings.

“He does some different unorthodox stuff in the box, but he is staying on the ball better.”

Aoki’s hallmark, since arriving in 2012 from Japan, has been his consistency. He batted .288, 286, .285 and .287 over his four previous seasons with three clubs while compiling OBP’s of .355, .356, .349 and .353.

That consistency, particularly the OBP skills, are what attracted the Mariners to Aoki in last winter’s free-agent market. He agreed to a one-year deal for $5.5 million that includes a vesting option for 2017 if he reaches 480 plate appearances.

Through 25 games, Aoki, now 34, is on pace for a 667 plate appearances — just shy of the 674 he had in 2013 while playing for Milwaukee.

The goal now, as Aoki seemingly emerges from his early slump, is to return to his accustomed production levels. An ascension to his well-established norm.

“It’s more just taking care of one day at a time,” he said. “Know what I did wrong today, look at the video, and do what I need to maintain my talent where it needs to be. That also means taking care of my body physically.”