Mariners’ Cruz has greater production when he isn’t DH

ARLINGTON, Texas — Seattle Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz, who leads the majors in home runs and RBI, has long contended he hits and plays better when he’s not the designated hitter.

“DHing is boring,” he said shortly after signing his four-year deal last December for $57 million. “But I understand my role. I’m here to play, and I’m here to contribute in whatever the role might be. I’m here to help.”

So far, there’s no debate: Cruz helps a lot more when he’s playing in the outfield. He entered Tuesday batting .382 (21-for-55) with all nine of his homers and 19 of his 21 RBI in 14 games as a right fielder.

In contrast: Cruz was just 2-for-20 in five games as a DH with one extra-base hit (a double) and just two RBI.

A small sample size?

Consider Cruz has a .254/.310/.475 slash (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) in 125 career games as a DH. As an outfielder, his slash is .273/.333/.512 for 843 career games.

So why wasn’t he in the outfield for Tuesday’s game against Texas?

“When I think he needs a day for his legs,” manager Lloyd McClendon said, “I give it to him. If not, I play him in the outfield.”

Cruz is 34, turns 35 in July, and faded noticeably last season after the All-Star break following a big first half.

“I reassess it every day,” McClendon said. “He could DH again (Wednesday) depending on how he feels. I’ve got to make sure I keep him healthy. I’ve got to be smart about it.”