Wedge giving versatile Almonte a look in center

KANSAS CITY -- The Mariners got to see newcomer Abraham Almonte play left and right field in Houston. On Monday, Almonte drew the start in center while hitting in the No. 9 slot.

"[Center field] is where he had been playing the majority of the time in Triple-A," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "I didn't want to break him in as the center fielder in Houston with that hill they've got out there. He's got a more normal setting here in Kansas City."

Wedge likes the versatility that Almonte brings -- he can smoothly play all the outfield positions.

"For someone like him, who can run and throw and is so athletic, he can most definitely handle all three," Wedge said.