SEATTLE (AP) — No matter how sick the Seattle Mariners' lineup remains manager Don Wakamatsu is not going move Ichiro Suzuki out of the leadoff spot.
Wakamatsu said Tuesday the struggling team has discussed putting the nine-time All-Star into a more run-producing role. But he says removing Seattle's most consistent hitter from his comfort spot risks changing him as a hitter.
Wakamatsu also says he will continue to keep Chone Figgins batting second. Figgins was hitting .195 entering the opener of a series against Detroit.
The Mariners were 5-16 and had scored three runs or fewer 13 times this month entering Tuesday.
They had scored two runs in 21 innings since a startling, 15-run outburst Friday against San Diego.
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