Major League Baseball

Lloyd McClendon hints at platoon for Mariners' Dustin Ackley and Rickie Weeks

Published Mar. 2, 2015 10:55 p.m. ET

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The Seattle Mariners took a flier on veteran infielder Rickie Weeks in early February with a one-year, $2 million deal for 2015. Adding Weeks to the M's new-look lineup created a few questions, including the issue of where Weeks would play in the field. The infield is crowded, with Robinson Cano, Brad Miller/Chris Taylor, Kyle Seager and Logan Morrison destined for everyday duty. 

At spring training on Monday, manager Lloyd McClendon revealed a bit about the plans he and his coaching staff might have for Weeks in 2015 ... and they involve returning outfielder Dustin Ackley. 

Speaking with Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle, McClendon stated that the two may share playing time in left field in a platoon:

This is news because it had not been previously clear that the Mariners planned to use Ackley in a platoon situation. Ackley, who still has yet to really establish himself as the cornerstone player the M's thought he'd be when he was in the minor leagues, had a respectable 2014. He slashed .245/.293/.398 in 143 games, swatting 14 home runs and collecting 65 RBIs in the process. 

Ackley had a rough first half of the 2014 season, but his second half — 269/.307/.476 with 10 of his 14 home runs — was much more promising. However, it doesn't seem as if the team was impressed enough to hand him starting left-fielder duties in 2015. From Drayer's piece:

Whether McClendon likes the word 'platoon' or not, that's essentially the gameplan — at least at this point. For what it's worth, Ackley's career splits aren't exceptionally dramatic. He's a career .249/.315/.377 hitter against RHP, contrasted with a .236/.295/.342 line against LHP (in less than half the number of plate appearances). 

As for Weeks, he's better suited against LHP: he's slashed .261/.385/.448 against them in his career while hitting .244/.332/.416 against RHP. Despite having a better line against lefties in his career, Weeks is more of a power threat against right-handers (having hit 107 out of 148 against them). 

This early into spring training, it's probably best to take McClendon's words at face value. Opinions can sway as a result of strong spring training statistics, so it's probably too soon to consider his statements as a definite plan. At the very least, though, they're worth consideration.

Have the Mariners soured on thoughts of Dustin Ackley being an everyday player? Will he get a chance against lefties before being relegated to the platoon (or 'favorable matchup,' as McClendon puts it)? Will Weeks flash enough offense to earn a permanent spot? These will all be issues worth focusing on over the first month or so of the 2015 season. 

(H/T ESPN 710 Seattle) 

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