Melvin to sit Reddick until after Felix's turn

SEATTLE -- Josh Reddick is in need of a dose of confidence, and Felix Hernandez is not exactly the right prescription for a quick fix.

That is why manager Bob Melvin benched his struggling outfielder Friday for a second straight game.

Reddick has just three hits and 13 strikeouts in 29 at-bats, and Melvin explained at length Thursday his concern over Reddick's possibly taking too many frustrations to the plate. On Friday during early batting practice in Seattle, Melvin saw what could be the real issue.

It was something hitting coach Chili Davis also noticed while watching video with Reddick, who was expected back in the lineup Saturday.

"I thought he swung the bat really well today," Melvin said. "I think he's maybe pulling his head off a little bit. I know it sounds kind of remedial, pulling your head, because it's something you learn early in your career, but sometimes you're looking for everything but something like that.

"That would explain, if you're having some good swings but not identifying or seeing the ball early, it might be as simple as you're pulling your head off the ball."

Reddick is just 4-for-30 (.133) in his career against Hernandez. Brandon Moss, meanwhile, entered the day 7-for-22 (.318) off Seattle's ace, and he got the start in right field in place of Reddick.