Rodriguez Has No Doubt He Should Stay In Seattle

Tacoma is often referred to as the City of Destiny.

Alex Rodriguez believes his destiny is to never return to Tacoma. It’s not as if he has anything against the city, Cheney Stadium or the Tacoma Rainiers, though.

The 19-year-old Rodriguez believes that he’s found a home as the Mariners starting shortstop.

Since being recalled from Tacoma on June 8, Rodriguez has been making a strong case to stick with Seattle the remainder of the season.

Entering Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, Rodriguez was 5-for-8 with his first career home run and two RBI.

“I’m still trying to find my stroke,” he said. “I know it’s going to take some time, but it’s something I’m always working on.”

This isn’t the first time Rodriguez has played with the Mariners this season. Rodriguez batted .333 (11-for-33) when he was up from May 6-27.

When he was sent down to Tacoma, Rodriguez didn’t sulk or hang his head. While playing for the Rainiers, Rodriguez batted .371 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 17 games.

“Going down (to Tacoma) gave me a chance to play every day,” he said. “but I’d still rather be here. I feel that I can play and do my job here.”

In addition to hitting .309 with the Mariners, Rodriguez has been impressive with the glove, committing only two errors and making several spectacular plays.

“Anytime you’re up here, you feel a little more comfortable,” he said. “I just want to help the club in any way I can.”

When Rodriguez was called up from Tacoma, it was to replace injured infielder Luis Sojo. Even when Sojo returns from the disabled list, don’t expect Rodriguez to go back down.

He certainly doesn’t.

News from disabled list

Jay Buhner, on the disabled list since June 6 with a strained left hamstring, took batting practice and threw on the side with first base coach Sam Mejias.

Buhner is due to come off the DL next week when the Mariners are in Chicago to visit the White Sox.

Relief pitcher Bill Risley joined the Mariners Tuesday after a rehabilitation stint with Tacoma.

Risley, who pitched a scoreless inning at Cheney Stadium Monday, was on the DL with a strained muscle in his rib cage.

So long, for now

The Mariners won’t face the Kansas City Royals again until August 11 in Kansas City.

That fact probably sits well with Seattle manager Lou Piniella, who watched his team drop its fifth consecutive game to the Royals.

To make matters worse, the Royals have now won eight of their past nine games in the Kingdome dating back to last season.