Mariners' Nelson Cruz: Expected to get more time in RF

Cruz, who has started 30 games in right field, could get more playing time in the field, the Seattle Times reports.

Analysis:

Manager Scott Servais wants to get Dae-Ho Lee and Adam Lind in the lineup together. That requires playing one of the first basemen at DH, which means Cruz goes to right field. Cruz has also seen more time in the field because Nori Aoki usually sits against left-handed pitching. Aoki was demoted recently, but when he comes back, that likely will continue to be the plan. Extra time in the field is not ideal for Cruz, but he played 80 games in right last season, and it didn't hurt his batting.