Today
Opponent: Minnesota Twins
Where: Safeco Field When: 7:10 p.m.
TV: FSN Radio: ESPN 710 AM
Probable starting pitchers: Seattle left-hander Jason Vargas (3-2, 3.12 ERA vs. right-hander Nick Blackburn (6-1, 4.28).
Walk-off worries
Teams around the major leagues are rethinking how they celebrate dramatic victories after Los Angeles Angels first baseman Kendry Morales broke his leg celebrating his game-winning grand slam against the Mariners Saturday. The Angels won on a walk-off home run again a day later, and the celebration was notably more subdued.
Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu has talked to his team about such situations. He doesn’t expect celebrations to go away on account of Morales’ injury, but thinks they could be less enthusiastic in the future.
“The biggest problem there is when guys are jumping up high and risk either landing on the plate or landing on somebody’s foot, but obviously they toned it down (Sunday),” he said. “I’ve talked to the players, but that’s an emotional time, and I don’t think it’s something where you say, ‘Go out and just shake hands in that situation.’ … That’s an exciting time. I think those type of injuries affect all of major league baseball, and players take notice.”
For now the Mariners, who are 1-8 in games ending on walk-off hits this year, wouldn’t mind having to concern themselves with celebration safety.
“I’d like to have 13 or 14 of those moving forward, and I’ll let you know,” Wakamatsu said.
Quite a debut
Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, who was called up from AAA Tacoma to replace an injured Josh Bard, made the most out of his first start with the Mariners, going 3 for 5 Sunday with a home run and four RBI.
“He had a pretty good day,” Wakamatsu said. “He had three RBI in four pitches. He’s an aggressive player … he had a huge impact on that game.”
Unfortunately, Alfonzo says, his impact wasn’t enough, because the game still went down as a Mariners loss.
“That was my first game,” he said. “I was excited with what I did yesterday. The thing is, I hit very well, but we lost the game. I’m trying to do the best I can to win games.”
Alfonzo was back on the bench Monday, and his stay in the big leagues may last only until Adam Moore returns from a leg injury, but for now he’s trying to make the most out of whatever chances he gets.
“I try to work so hard every day and make the best I can when I get an opportunity to play,” he said. “I try to play 100 percent and do the best I can.”
Of note
Catcher Adam Moore (sublexed left fibula) and shortstop Jack Wilson (hamstring) were both limited to early batting practice Monday. Wilson, if all goes well, could go on a rehab assignment Friday, while Moore is likely further behind in his return, Wakamatsu said. … Pitcher Erik Bedard threw long toss and could do a bullpen session Friday. … Matt Tuiasosopo started at first base, his fifth start of the season at the position and second in three games. Tuiasosopo has also started two games each at shortstop, third base and left field.
John Boyle, Herald Writer
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