Seattle Mariners: Protecting Jarred Kelenic
Platoon
If the Seattle Mariners go with a platoon, it might actually work out well for the team. Currently, Kyle Lewis is continuing his rehab from knee surgery. Not long ago, he began hitting live batting practice and is currently playing in extended spring training games.
This week Mitch Haniger went on the injured list with a Grade 2 high ankle sprain. The fingers crossed return time is hopefully around the end of May. But that may be highly optimistic.
Due to those injuries, the Seattle Mariners would need to platoon Kelenic with utility player Dylan Moore. We’ve already seen some examples of Moore starting in right field in place of Kelenic and then J.K. coming in for late-game defensive purposes. On occasion, Moore also pinch-hit for Kelenic late in games when the opponent brought in a lefty reliever.
In 16 plate appearances, Moore has 3 hits, 1 home run, and 2 RBI to accompany a .250 batting average. So in the short term, Moore could be a solid option for the Seattle Mariners. Another option is moving second baseman Adam Frazier to left field, Winker to right field, and Toro starting at second base. This is a riskier option because it weakens the team’s overall defense.
Of course, is this all until Haniger or Lewis returns. Then Seattle Mariners Managers Scott Servais could platoon Kelenic with proven MLB producers. Besides, if Kelenic is the Seattle Mariners version of Pederson, that’s not the worst thing in the world. Pederson is a two-time World Series champion.
1️⃣1️⃣0️⃣ off the bat for @jarredkelenic. pic.twitter.com/YoR9TXhvMc
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 20, 2022