M’s Cust takes days off in stride

DETROIT – Mariners designated hitter Jack Cust took a seat for the third time in four days Saturday as Mike Carp was penciled in to his spot.

Cust took the move in stride, saying he understands the Mariners are looking at younger hitters and need to find spots for them to play. He isn’t overly concerned, saying he expects to start putting up bigger numbers as the summer progresses.

“I know what I’m going to do when I get on a hot streak,” he said. “I’ve hit 10 home runs in a month before. I just need to stay within myself. Not try to do too much. And when the weather heats up a bit, that’s when maybe you’ll see me start to do some of the things I’ve done before.”

Cust is hitting just .184 at home versus .280 on the road.

He has just two home runs, one at home and one on the road.

But he hit better overall in May, putting up a .276 average with a .375 on-base percentage and a .447 slugging percentage. In June, he has hit just .143 but said he’s felt better at the plate despite the lack of good results.

Mariners manager Eric Wedge said Saturday that Cust still factors heavily into the team’s plans and he’s just taking a look at what younger players like Carp have to offer. Carp drew a walk and singled in Saturday’s game.

“I think they’re just trying to get guys going,” Cust said. “Right now, they’ve got a lot of young guys up there. Greg (Halman) and Peg (Carlos Peguero) have been doing a good job. I think they just want what’s best, No. 1 for the team, and No. 2 personally for each guy. I understand what’s going on. I wasn’t swinging the bat as well as I’d hoped. But I still think it’s early. I know what I can do.”