Opponent: Boston Red Sox
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: Safeco Field
TV: Fox Sports Net
Radio: KOMO (1000 AM)
Pitchers
It’s a balancing act with Adam Jones
Prized minor league prospect Adam Jones joined the Mariners on Friday and immediately found a place in the starting lineup – left field, where he has never played as a pro. Then manager John McLaren said Jones is not considered an everyday player.
That’s the delicate situation McLaren and the Mariners are in with Jones, whose presence has raised questions about how it will affect the chemistry of a veteran team.
Jones started Friday in place of Raul Ibanez and, earlier this week, right fielder Jose Guillen said he was concerned about his impact in a veteran-laden lineup. Reserve outfielder Jason Ellison, a veteran who was popular in the clubhouse, was designated for assignment, meaning the Mariners have 10 days to trade, release him or send him to the minor leagues.
“I’m not going to step on any toes and I’m not going to play any head games with anybody on the field,” McLaren said. “I’ve got an obligation to win and we’re going to do the best we can to put the best combination out there.”
McLaren talked with the players Friday afternoon and believes everyone understands the situation.
“I explained where I was coming from and I gave them a chance to express themselves, and we had a nice discussion,” McLaren said. “I understand where they’re coming from, but I feel when it’s all said and done, we have a better roster today.”
McLaren said Jones gives him several options in both the starting lineup and on the bench. He can play all three outfield positions and will start in center field when Ichiro Suzuki is the DH. Jones also gives an element of speed and athleticism off the bench.
“Before the trade deadline we tried to add a right-handed bat and we weren’t able to,” McLaren said. “We had been talking for a couple of weeks how we could improve the ballclub and I felt another right-hand bat could help.
“Adam’s not going to be an everyday player. We have an everyday lineup. I feel good about having Adam here and I also feel good about the people we have here. I’m confident he’ll mix in fine.”
Jones, who batted .314 with 25 home runs and 84 RBI at Tacoma, is sensitive to the chemistry issue.
“I don’t want to mess up the mold that they have,” he said. “I want to be a small piece in the puzzle and contribute. I’m not going to try to do too much. I’m real high on myself, so if I don’t contribute then I’m frustrated with myself. But I don’t expect to go out and put up the same numbers I had in Triple-A.”
Reitsma recovering: Relief pitcher Chris Reitsma’s season is over after he had surgery on his right elbow Thursday, although the good news is that he should be able to recover by next season.
Dr. Edward Khalfayan, the Mariners’ medical director, removed scar tissue from the back of the elbow.
Reitsma has been on the disabled list three times this season with elbow problems, and the latest sparked concerns that he career could be in jeopardy.
“There was fear he might be facing something more severe,” McLaren said. “It was better than they had thought. Now he can start rehabbing and get ready for spring training.”
Of note: Rookie right-hander Brandon Morrow, who suffered through a rough stretch in July, hadn’t allowed a run in six outings (61/3 innings) entering Friday. … Ichiro Suzuki is one of three players in the modern era (since 1901) to steal at least 30 bases in each of his first seven seasons. The others are Rickey Henderson (15 straight years) and Vince Coleman (seven).
Kirby Arnold, Herald Writer
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