Tyler Smith’s moment finally arrived Friday when an injury to shortstop Jean Segura forced the Mariners into another roster realignment. They needed a utility infielder. Smith got the call from Triple-A Tacoma.
Then made the most of it.
Smith replaced second baseman Robinson Cano in the eighth inning of a 12-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field. Smith had an uneventful defensive inning before coming to bat with one out later in the frame.
He lashed a double into the left-field corner against hard-throwing reliever Ryan Stanek. Smith took a deep breath through a wide smile as he reached second base while the Mariners bench signaled for the ball to serve as memento.