M’s Batista plans quick return

Mariners pitcher Miguel Batista, who came out of Friday night’s game in the second inning because of a mild groin strain, said Saturday he was fine. Manager John McLaren said Batista shouldn’t miss his next start, scheduled for Thursday at Cleveland. “We’ll know more (today) when he throws on the side,” McLaren said. … Carlos Silva, who left Wednesday’s game because of a tight right thigh, also is fine and should make his start Tuesday in Cleveland. … The Mariners entered Saturday batting .311 against left-handed pitchers, the second-best average in the league. They were .232 against right-handers, last in the league. … Ichiro Suzuki’s fly to left field Saturday ended his streak of four consecutive games to reach base in the first inning. He’s 8 for 24 in his first at-bats this season.

Everett Herald