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Mariners News: Gutierrez Batting 2nd in Return

By Brady Farkas

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The Mariners take on the Royals tonight in the finale of a three-game set at Safeco Field. Roenis Elias takes on Danny Duffy in the pitching matchup, and a Mariners win would give them a series win against the reigning AL Champs.

Lineups:

My Reactions:

1. I can’t help but smile upon seeing Gutierrez back. “Death to Flying Things” was among my favorite players in the 2009 and ’10 seasons. He’s not the player he used to be, but the fans will enjoy seeing him back, patrolling left field tonight. I also just applaud his effort in getting back and healthy enough to play.

2. This lineup represents a good balance for the M’s against a lefty. This actually looks like a competent major league lineup. The middle of the order needs to produce, and maybe, just maybe, Robinson Cano is starting to awake from his season-long slumber.

3. Nelson Cruz played last night after leaving Monday’s game with that pelvis injury. That’s a good sight to see, and I’m happy that Gutierrez being called up gives the M’s a good OF that can keep Cruz at DH and help keep him healthy.

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4. The Mariners need a strong performance from Elias tonight. He had 10 strikeouts in his last outing against the Astros. The aggressive-swinging Royals will present a challenge. He needs to make sure his offspeed stuff is on point, and that he’s able to get ahead in the count. He’s really been a godsend for the M’s, filling in admirably in the absence of Hisashi Iwakuma and James Paxton.

Welcome back, Guti! Go M’s.

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