Mariners notes: Endy Chavez stitched up, back in lineup

ARLINGTON, Texas — Since he was called up May 30, Endy Chavez has played in 71 of the Mariners’ 86 games.

That’s not a ridiculous amount of playing time for an average player. But Chavez is no longer an average player, at least in terms of age. At 37, that’s a lot of games and a lot of wear and tear on a body that’s played 1,142 big-league games over a 13-year career.

And yet, a day after getting three stitches to his forehead just above his left eyebrow to go with the nasty knot under them after a head-first slide Friday, Chavez was back in the starting lineup for the game Saturday night.

“I’m fine,” he said breaking into his usual smile. “It’s no big deal.”

For the season, Chavez is hitting .283 with 12 doubles, two homers and 22 RBI. Since the All-Star break, when manager Lloyd McClendon has been able to use him in platoon situations, Chavez is hitting .353 with a .970 OPS, including six doubles, a homer and 12 RBI in 23 games (16 starts).

“We’ve been able to put him in positions where he has a chance to be successful, not expose him against tough left-handers,” McClendon said. “He’s taken off as a result. He’s a very valuable player for us.”

So valuable, he might think of sliding feet first for the time being?

“For sure,” Chavez said, chuckling. “At least for a little while.”

Zunino still growing

Mike Zunino etched his name in the Mariners’ record book Friday, belting his 20th homer of the season and setting the franchise season home-run record for a catcher. He passed Miguel Olivo’s mark of 19 from 2011.

“It’s awesome,” Zunino said. “It’s nothing I ever dreamt of doing. I just want to go out there and help the team win in any way. But it’s nice to be able to be on the list.”

He’s hitting an even .200 (76 for 380) on the season with a .254 on-base percentage. He has 15 walks to go with 14 hit-by-pitches and has struck out 138 times.