Norris looking to be more aggressive with bat

SEATTLE -- With John Jaso unavailable again Saturday because of a palm abrasion, Derek Norris was sent back out behind the plate in Seattle.

So was his .189 average -- against a right-hander in Aaron Harang, no less.

Norris, hitting .132 vs. right-handers compared to .241 against lefties, enjoyed a productive April, hitting .283 overall, but since the start of May, he is 17-for-113 (.150). His struggles aren't as noticeable to teammates who praise his defensive doings, but they are a concern.

"Obviously he's struggled some and every time he does hit a ball hard it's right at somebody," said manager Bob Melvin, who also noted shifts have come into play. "You go through struggles during the season and you can't let it affect you, especially in the job he has to do, and he hasn't.

"It's frustrating for him, especially being a guy that, for the most part of his career, has been looked at as offensive-minded. That tests you a little bit, but he's doing a nice job behind the plate."

Norris recently said he's been trying to free up his hands because, at times, he said, "I feel a little locked up and I'm not finding the barrel as much as I want to.

"I'm looking to make a few changes. I obviously haven't gotten to the best start I wanted to this year, and it shows, but I'm looking to make a change. There's a few mechanical changes I've worked on, trying to be a little more confident, a little more aggressive at the plate, not being so passive."