M’s notes: Kyle Seager puzzled by poor production with runners in scoring position

BOSTON – Kyle Seager knows the numbers, knows they’re not pretty and doesn’t know why.

Seager is the front end of the big three at the heart of the Mariners’ lineup, but he is batting just .170 with runners in scoring position, including .143 with two outs and runners in scoring position.

“I think it’s just one of those things,” he said. “I don’t try to do too much more. I try to stay with the plan for the most part.”

A year ago, Seager batted .301 with runners in scoring position and his career average, even with this year’s slide, is .253.

It’s part of an ongoing club-wide problem.

The Mariners entered Saturday ranked last in the A.L. with a .219 average with runners in scoring position, last in on-base percentage at .298 and 13th in slugging percentage at .357.

“He’s probably trying to do a little bit too much,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “He hasn’t really stayed connected and used the entire field to hit. He’s recognized that. He’s working on it.”

Farquhar recalled

Seattle has recalled right-hander Danny Farquhar from Triple-A Tacoma to replace struggling Mayckol Guaipe.

It is Farquhar’s third tour with the M’s and comes after he compiled a 2.13 ERA in his last 10 outings for the Rainiers. He is 0-3 with a 6.23 ERA this season in 25 big-league appearances.

Guaipe, 25, has struggled in three brief major-league call-ups. He is 0-3 with a 7.50 ERA in eight games.

Progress reports

Lefty James Paxton is set to pitch a simulated game Tuesday in Texas after reporting no day-after problems following a Friday bullpen workout. He is recovering from a strained tendon in his middle finger suffered May 28. … Lefty reliever Charlie Furbush will undergo a further examination this week on his biceps after he continued to experience discomfort Saturday in his latest bullpen workout.