Mariners outfielder Mallex Smith, who missed much of the spring with a right elbow strain, returned to the lineup in Monday night’s 8-0 exhibition loss to the San Diego Padres, and said he’s ready for Thursday’s home opener.
“It was fun, just to get back in the outfield,” Smith said. “That run to center doesn’t get any shorter. But, it was good to just move around, and really just play with the team.”
Smith was acquired in November along with outfielder Jake Fraley, in the trade that sent longtime catcher Mike Zunino, outfielder Guillermo Heredia and left-handed pitcher Michael Plassmeyer to the Tampa Bay Rays.