By Kirby Arnold
Herald Writer
SEATTLE – Aaron Sele, who was battered in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against Cleveland, will start the first game of the AL Championship Series on Wednesday against the New York Yankees.
Sele assured himself of that assignment with two ineffective innings in Cleveland that consumed only 35 pitches.
“I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Aaron,” manager Lou Piniella said. “The other day in Cleveland he wasn’t throwing the ball well. As it turns out, it was the best thing for us. Now we’ve got a fresh pitcher for Wednesday.”
Piniella, who will use a four-man rotation against the Yankees, hasn’t decided who will pitch Game 2 on Thursday.
The likely pitcher would be right-hander Paul Abbott, who was used out of the bullpen in the division series after pulling off a career-high 17-4 record in the regular season.
The Game 3 starter will be either Jamie Moyer, who won two games against the Indians, or Freddy Garcia, who lost the opener but beat Cleveland in Game 4 to extend the series.
That schedule would leave Sele available for a possible Game 5 on Monday in New York.
“We’ll see how we arrange it,” Piniella said without being specific.
Piniella said he will increase the staff to 11 pitchers, and probably add either Joel Piniero or Ryan Franklin to the roster.
The increase to an 11-man staff will force the Mariners to use just 14 position players, one less than they had in the first round.
And there might be one interesting addition. Shortstop Carlos Guillen, diagnosed last month with tuberculosis, will be examined today and could be put on the roster.
“We might get fortunate,” Piniella said. “We might have Carlos back. We’ll know (today).”
Guillen, who was hospitalized for a week, has been working out daily at Safeco Field to build his strength. Piniella wasn’t sure whether Guillen’s lack of stamina would prevent him from starting.
If Guillen can return as a starter, it would allow Piniella to better use Mark McLemore’s versatility. McLemore, a switch-hitter, can play all three outfield positions, plus third, short and second on the infield.
The Mariners and Yankees will work out this afternoon at Safeco Field. The session is not open to the public.
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