Cruz says he may be pressing

OAKLAND, Calif. – Getting away from Safeco Field for a few days might be just what Nelson Cruz needs at this point after going 1 for 11 in the Mariners’ season-opening series against the Los Angeles Angels. Cruz is trying not to press in an effort to make a good first impression after signing a $57 million deal for the next four years. But he admits that might be happening.

Example: In Wednesday’s 5-3 loss, Cruz looked bad in flailing away and striking out in the eighth inning against Angels reliever Joe Smith no outs and runners at second and third.

“He threw me pitches that were, probably, outside of the zone,” Cruz said. “And I was swinging. I should be more patient in that situation.”

Manager Lloyd McClendon sees a slugger trying too hard to slug.

“Mechanically, he’s got a couple of things going wrong,” McClendon said. “He’s probably expanding the zone a little bit. Listen, you want to do good. Nellie has a great track record. He’s going to be fine.

“When the hits start coming, they’ll come in bunches.”

Cruz said it’s a fine line between trying and trying too much.

“You always try,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what situation you’re in, you try to deliver. A new team, you want to impress. Hopefully, next game, I’ll have a chance in the same situation, and I’ll deliver.”

• Right fielder Seth Smith reports improvement in his ailing groin muscle and is tentatively scheduled to return to the lineup today when the Mariners face a right-hander in Sonny Gray.

Smith awoke Tuesday with soreness after going 3 for 3 in Monday’s 4-1 victory.