Lawton and Mariners make peace -- for now

SEATTLE (AP) -- The relationship between the Seattle Mariners and outfielder Matt Lawton is fine right now, general manager Bill Bavasi said Monday.
Over the weekend, Lawton said he approached the Mariners last month and indicated he was willing to be released after having played very little and noticing a glut of outfielders on the Seattle roster.
Instead, the Mariners designated outfielder Joe Borchard for assignment. Borchard, who was obtained from the Chicago White Sox in a trade for reliever Matt Thornton during spring training, did not clear waivers and was claimed by the Florida Marlins.
"We were just having a tough time getting at-bats at that time," Bavasi said.
Players who filed for free agency after last season and then signed can't be traded without their permission before June 1. Bavasi spoke with Lawton, and the outfielder said he is fine with the current situation, but his status may be reassessed later.
Since Borchard was designated for assignment. Lawton has found himself in a three-man rotation in center field. Lawton has played in four of the last eight games and is splitting time with Jeremy Reed against right-handed pitchers. Willie Bloomquist has played against lefties.
Lawton was suspended for the first 10 days of this season after testing positive for steroids at the end of last year.
This spring, he batted .367 with eight doubles and eight RBIs in 49 at-bats. Entering Monday's game, Lawton had just 22 at-bats in the regular season.
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