Major League Baseball

Seattle LHP Lee not worried about contract now

Published May. 2, 2010 1:21 a.m. ET

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New Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee doesn't want to be distracted by contract talks during the season.

Lee said Saturday he was unaware of an ESPN.com report that quoted his agent saying the left-hander is unlikely to sign an extension in Seattle and probably is headed to free agency when his contract expires after this season.

``Basically during the season I want to focus on pitching and not worry about that stuff. That's more spring training and offseason type of stuff,'' Lee said. ``During the season I want to worry about pitching and focus on getting opposing hitters out rather than contract status and that stuff.''

Lee made his Seattle debut Friday night, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just three hits against Texas. Acquired in a big offseason trade with Philadelphia, Lee missed most of the season's first month with a lower abdominal injury.

Lee's agent, Darek Braunecker, told ESPN.com that there have not been significant discussions with Seattle about an extension, and free agency is the likely option. Lee confirmed he hasn't been approached with anything and says it's no secret he doesn't want to talk about his contract during the season.

``I don't know what to say about that,'' he said. ``It's hard to comment.''

The 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner strained his abdomen during spring training. Friday night was his first major league start since Game 5 of the World Series on Nov. 2, when he beat the New York Yankees for the Phillies.

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