Mallex Smith had a late start to spring training because of a strain in his right elbow. He started spring training drills only a few days before the Mariners headed to Japan in mid-March. Smith stayed back to get ready for the season. He began his season on March 28 against the Boston Red Sox.
Mallex Smith began the season as the Mariners leadoff hitter. Nothing seemed wrong because on April 1 he was hitting .294. It was Smith’s highest average of the season. Everything was Ok through April 12. Though his batting average dipped down, he was still hitting .