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 More Mariners NewsMariners LinksDustin Ackley will join the Tacoma Rainiers Thursday after being promoted from Class AA West Tennessee. The 22-year-old Ackley was the second overall pick in last year's draft behind Stephen Strasburg, the Washington Nationals' rookie pitching sensation. Ackley, who played mostly first base and the outfield in college, got off to a slow start in his first full professional season as he adjusted to a position switch. But he has hit .305 in 54 games since May 12, raising his AA average to .263. In 82 games for the Diamond Jaxx, he had 21 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 28 runs batted in. He also drew an impressive 55 walks. "His on-base percentage is off the charts. That's a key for us," Pedro Grifol, the Mariners' director of minor-league operations, said recently. "He's a professional hitter. There's no question about it: In all our opinions down here, and I don't think anyone sees it any differently, this kid is going to hit, and hit for average." |
