Mariners' Mallex Smith: Excels in return to action

Smith, who arrived in summer camp Monday, played all nine innings in Saturday's intrasquad game and went 3-for-5 in the contest, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The speedy outfielder was able to play a full nine in his first taste of game action in months. His presence on the field was a welcome sight to manager Scott Servais and Smith himself, who expressed how grateful he was to be back out on the field. Smith also notably wore a mask throughout the entirety of the contest and even for postgame interviews, remarking, "You probably won't catch me without it" to reporters. Given his level of participation Saturday, Smith appears to be on track to start the season as the Mariners' everyday center fielder as originally projected. Servais confirmed this likelihood prior to the game as well.