Mallex Smith RF FA Thu 3/28/19 3:06 PM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith is starting in center field and hitting seventh Thursday against the Red Sox, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith will occupy the seven hole in his season debut with southpaw Chris Sale toeing the rubber for the opposition. It's unclear if the speedster will continue to hit near the bottom of the lineup against same-handed pitching or if the Mariners are simply easing him into action after he missed most of spring with an elbow issue. Mitch Haniger is starting in right field and hitting leadoff Thursday.
Mallex Smith RF FA Wed 3/27/19 7:55 PM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Manager Scott Servais confirmed that Smith will start in center field in Thursday's home opener against the Red Sox, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith has been battling a right elbow strain since mid-February and was limited throughout spring training. The 25-year-old was able to start in center field with no issues during Monday's exhibition game, clearing the way for him to play Thursday. Smith slashed .296/.367/.406 with 40 stolen bases in 141 games with the Rays last season.
Mallex Smith RF FA Tue 3/26/19 12:45 AM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) felt zero discomfort in his elbow during Monday's exhibition against San Diego, TJ Cotterill of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith admitted that his timing at the plate needs work, but that's to be expected after missing all of spring with an elbow strain. He'll continue to be monitored on a daily basis with Thursday's season opener just a few days away.
Mallex Smith RF FA Mon 3/25/19 6:51 PM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) starting in center field and leading off Monday against the Padres, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
According to Corey Brock of The Athletic, Smith is expected to play five innings and get three at-bats in what will be his first game action for the Mariners -- the outfielder has been limited to minor-league action this spring while working back from an elbow injury. He missed the team's season-opening series in Japan last week, though he's expected to be ready for Thursday's home opener against the Red Sox, barring setbacks.
Mallex Smith RF FA Fri 3/15/19 12:59 AM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) won't go on the injured list and should be ready for the Mariners' home opener March 28, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
The positive news was relayed by general manager Jerry Dipoto prior to the Mariners departing for their season-opening trip to Tokyo to take on the Athletics. Smith recently started taking batting practice and resumed throwing as well, and he's slated to begin play in minor-league games within a few days after being out all of camp.
Mallex Smith RF FA Tue 3/12/19 3:05 PM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) won't travel to Japan for the team's early season-opening series against the A's, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith has been making progress in his recovery from an elbow strain, but the team saw little sense in rushing him back just for two games. He could be ready to go by the time the rest of the regular season begins March 28. The Mariners may slide Mitch Haniger over to center field in his absence, opening up an outfield corner for Ichiro Suzuki to play a pair of games in his native country.
Mallex Smith RF FA Tue 3/12/19 1:22 PM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) was able to participate in his first batting practice of spring Monday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
It was an important milestone for Smith, who's been sidelined since the start of camp with an elbow strain. The speedy offseason acquisition is eventually expected to handle everyday duties in center field, but he appears to have little to no chance of being ready for the regular-season opener March 20 in Japan against the Athletics.
Mallex Smith RF FA Sun 3/10/19 1:02 PM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) may take batting practice on the field Monday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith continues to play catch as he has been dealing with the right elbow strain since mid-February, and also resumed taking light swings last week. The 25-year-old will have difficulty being available for the regular-season opener March 20 against the Athletics in Japan, given his lack of game work this spring.
Mallex Smith RF FA Tue 3/5/19 10:45 AM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) has been cleared to resume workouts, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith's start to camp has been slowed by a sore elbow. He played catch Monday and will start taking light swings Tuesday. The Mariners open their season early, facing the Athletics in a pair of games in Japan on March 20 and 21, and it may be tough for Smith to return in time for those games. He'll have a better shot to return when the Mariners begin the bulk of their season schedule March 28 against the Red Sox.
Mallex Smith RF FA Tue 3/5/19 9:42 AM
Mallex Smith
RF FA
Smith (elbow) is unavailable for Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith had been scheduled to ramp up his baseball activities Monday after an abbreviated shutdown period, so the Mariners presumably want to see him take some swings in batting practices, play catch and field his position before returning him to the spring lineup. The speedster still appears on track to get back to full health ahead of the regular season and could be viewed as a candidate for the leadoff gig.