Franklin Gutierrez was playing catch early in spring training when he tore a pectoral muscle. The original prognosis was that he'd miss a month, but March came and went without a Gutierrez sighting. Four months later, though, he's back and ready to go:
Franklin Gutierrez Activated Off Disabled List
Franklin Gutierrez, Erasmo Ramirez, Steve Delabar, Casper Wells join #Mariners. Carp & Pryor to DL, Beavan & Liddi to AAA Tacoma.
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 13, 2012
In 2011, Franklin Gutierrez became the 29th outfielder in major-league history to have an OPS+ lower than 55 in over 300 at-bats, joining such luminaries as Corey Patterson, Willy Taveras, and Peter Bergeron.
But there were extenuating circumstances, as Gutierrez was diagnosed with and treated for irritable bowel syndrome. He spent the offseason regaining weight, and he was optimistic that he could get back to his 2009 or 2010 form.
The Mariners have been using Michael Saunders in center during Gutierrez's absence, and he's been the team's best hitter. But with Mike Carp going on the DL, an outfield spot opened up, and I'm pretty sure it isn't going to Chone Figgins, so Death to Flying Things will ride again.
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