Seattle Mariners center-fielder Franklin Gutierrez is likely finished for 2011, and probably for the best. Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN reports that Gutierrez suffered a left oblique strain swinging on a 1-1 pitch from Grant Balfour, and his season is likely done. Trayon Robinson is likely to take over for Gutierrez in center field.
Gutierrez, quite frankly, had a horrid season. His 2011 campaign was going something like .224/.261/.273, which sounds about right for utility infielder, but not at all satisfactory for a starting outfielder. Gutierrez's defense remained excellent throughout his struggles, but he could give the Mariners nothing offensively.
Seattle will probably have to call someone up who can replace Gutierrez. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times predicts the Mariners will get someone like Michael Saunders and Greg Halman to finish up the season for the team. It'll be hard to get an everyday outfielder though, so it's likely Seattle will do center field by committee.
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