HOUSTON — In an effort to generate some different results at the plate and in the final score, Mariners manager Scott Servais decided to shake up his lineup in Thursday night’s opener of a four-game series with the American League West leading Astros at Minute Maid Park.
Dee Gordon, who has been the leadoff hitter in every game he’s been available to play this season, was dropped to the No. 9 spot, while Mitch Haniger, who has been batting primarily in the No. 3 spot since Robinson Cano’s suspension on May 15, was bumped up to the leadoff spot.