Denorfia sidelined by neck stiffness

SEATTLE -- Right fielder Chris Denorfia was scratched from the Mariners' lineup about two hours before Tuesday night's game with the Rangers due to a stiff neck.

Veteran Endy Chavez got the start in Denorfia's place, though he was penciled in eighth in the batting order after Denorfia had been originally slated to hit sixth.

Denorfia, acquired on July 31 from the Padres, has hit .244 in 16 games with Seattle, including a .312 mark over the last 10 games after getting off to a 1-for-13 start with his new club.

Chavez is hitting .272 in 63 games for the Mariners in his 13th season in the Majors.