Ibanez destined for DL

SEATTLE – From the just-when-you-thought-things-couldn’t-get-any-worse file:

Struggling starting pitcher Gil Meche is jettisoned to Class AAA Tacoma before Wednesday’s game.

Left fielder Raul Ibanez, one of the few run producers on the roster, leaves the game with a strained right hamstring. Starting pitcher Joel Pineiro allows a second inning grand slam, from which the Mariners never recovers.

But wait, there’s more.

Following a 5-3 loss to Toronto, the Mariners (19-33) are 2-5-1 in their first eight series at Safeco Field. The developments surrounding Meche and Piniero were not totally unexpected, given their struggles this season. The injury to Ibanez was.

Seattle’s often-punchless offense can ill afford to lose its No. 4 hitter, especially with second baseman Bret Boone’s batting average down to .219. Ibanez, who came into the game leading the Mariners in home runs (11) and was second in RBIs (28), injured his hamstring while racing up the first-base line in the second inning after he set down a bunt.

Melvin indicated that Ibanez would be evaluated Thursday, but said it would take nothing short of a miracle to keep Ibanez off the disabled list.

(ESPNews reported that Ibanez had been placed on the DL Thursday, but the report hadn’t been confirmed by any other sources).

“You’re losing your four hitter … a guy with power who can drive in runs,” Mariners shortstop Rich Aurilia said. “Anytime that you lose your four hitter, it hurts.”