Romero given look at DH against Astros righty

SEATTLE -- Mariners rookie outfielder Stefen Romero, who entered Thursday in a mini-slump, was batting seventh as the designated hitter against the Astros. Seattle will take a DH-by-committee approach until Corey Hart returns from the disabled list or the club chooses to make a roster move.

"We got to fill the DH spot some kind of way," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "Corey's out, so we're mixing and matching and hopefully we'll strike gold. We'll see."

Romero, a right-handed hitter, has posted a .209/.244/.360 slash line with two home runs and six RBIs in 30 games, while facing predominantly left-handers in a platoon role. However, he's shown flashes of promise. In a 12-5 win over the Rays at Safeco Field on May 12, the Oregon State product went 3-for-5 with a home run, double, three RBIs and three runs scored.

"I obviously want to be a little bit better statistically than where I am right now, but knowing my situation, I can't really get too down on myself with what role I have on the team," he said.

The Astros started righty Jarred Cosart (3-3, 4.41 ERA) in the series opener Thursday.

"DHing is a very difficult thing to do, and ideally you don't want to have young guys do it, but we are where we are right now, so we don't really have much of a choice," McClendon said.