Seager out of lineup with flu on his giveaway night

SEATTLE -- Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager missed his second straight game Saturday due to a flu-like illness that hit him prior to Friday's series opener with the Royals.

Seager was with the team Saturday, but not in the lineup, as utility infielder Willie Bloomquist got the call again at third on a night that featured a Seager bat giveaway for all kids aged 14 and under at Safeco Field.

"He was pretty sick last night, so we're going to hold him out," said manager Lloyd McClendon.

Seager is the third Mariners player to come down with the flu in the past two weeks. Catcher Mike Zunino dealt with a similar illness on the day the team traveled to New York on April 28, though he was able to play the next night against the Yankees.

Pitcher Felix Hernandez lost nine pounds in two days and said he was physically drained in his May 2 start in Houston, when he was only able to go five innings.

Now Seager is temporarily sidelined, which takes one of Seattle's hotter bats out of the lineup. After a slow start, Seager won American League co-Player of the Week honors for April 21-27 and he's batted .340 (18-for-53) with five home runs and 17 RBIs over his last 14 games.