News
Two-hole is Branyan's comfort zone
Seattle (28-30) at Baltimore (25-33), 4:05 p.m. PT
By Pete Kerzel / Special to MLB.com
06/10/09 2:15 AM ET
BALTIMORE -- If you're expecting Russell Branyan to alter his approach to hitting because he's been moved into the second spot in the Mariners' batting order, think again. Things are going so well for Branyan in his first season in Seattle, he's not about to start overthinking his new assignment in the lineup. No worrying about making an opposing pitcher go deep into counts so he's forced to display his repertoire. No reason to work deep into a count to tire out the guy on the mound. No reason to do anything different than what Branyan has already done, which has translated into a .320 batting average. "It's like [manager Don Wakamatsu] explained to me -- it's just a different spot in the order. It just happens to be where he happens to put my name on that lineup card," said Branyan. "I just treat my at-bats there like I have all season -- try to get a good pitch to hit." That philosophy has paid dividends for Branyan, a 33-year-old journeyman who is making baseball rewrite its description of his abilities. Once viewed as strictly a platoon hitter, he's playing everyday -- and producing. He's showing power -- leading the Mariners with 13 homers -- but also has been hitting left-handers, something he traditionally hasn't done. So far this year, Branyan is 18-for-61 (.295) with three homers and 10 RBIs against southpaws, erasing doubts that he could hit lefties. Does he feel like he's doling out a dose of comeuppance to those who unfairly created the notion that he was merely a platoon guy? "I really haven't thought of it that way," Branyan said. "I came into this season very fortunate to be able to play every day and the rest of it's up to the coaching staff. If they want to hit me five or third or whatever, obviously, it's up to them. I've been pretty consistent, so I'm happy they can just find a good spot in the order for me." For the past six games, that has been behind leadoff hitter Ichiro, and Branyan has met the challenge. The Mariners are 4-2 in those games and Branyan is 7-for-21 (.333) in his new role. Wakamatsu said there's a lot to like about his new No. 2 hitter. "I think we saw a difference in him over the last three weeks where his pitch selection is a lot better," Wakamatsu said. "I like the fact that it puts a lot of pressure for them to pitch to him in the two-hole. I like the fact that he has power in the two-hole. I like the fact that we give him an extra at-bat just about every game." Pitching matchupSEA: RHP Felix Hernandez (5-3, 3.22 ERA)
The right-handed ace had another quality performance in his last outing, holding the Twins to one run over seven innings, but had to settle for a no-decision. He turned in his team-leading eighth quality start (six or more innings, three or fewer earned runs) and has now struck out at least five batters in 10 starts this season. BAL: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (4-5, 5.61 ERA)
Guthrie gave up six hits to the first seven hitters he faced and was hit by a line drive last Friday night in Oakland. He lasted two-thirds of an inning in what was easily his worst start of the year. In his previous two starts, he allowed a combined four runs in 13 innings. He was 1-1 with a 2.28 ERA in three games against the Mariners last year. Tidbits
Ronny Cedeno started at shortstop for a fourth straight game Tuesday and Yuniesky Betancourt seems no closer to reclaiming that position. While most of the Mariners were out for early batting practice before the game, Betancourt was noticeably absent. Betancourt has not played since June 3. ... Catcher Jamie Burke dropped a pop foul in the sixth inning Tuesday and was charged with his second error. ... Barring any setbacks, catcher Kenji Johjima, on the 15-day disabled list since May 26 with a fractured right big toe, could join the Mariners in San Diego on June 16 and begin taking batting practice, Wakamatsu said. Wakamatsu hopes to have Johjima active sometime during the homestand that begins June 19. ... Seattle starting pitchers tied a club record Tuesday by allowing three or fewer runs in a seventh straight game. It's been done seven times, most recently June 11-18, 2005. Tickets
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• Thursday: Mariners (Garrett Olson, 0-1, 4.39) at Orioles (Koji Uehara, 2-3, 4.09), 4:05 p.m. PT
• Friday: Mariners (Jarrod Washburn, 3-4, 3.07) at Rockies (Ubaldo Jimenez, 4-6, 3.91), 6:10 p.m. PT
• Saturday: Mariners (Erik Bedard, 5-2, 2.47) at Rockies (Jason Marquis, 8-4, 3.98), 5:10 p.m. PT
Pete Kerzel is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
