The Seattle Mariners are excited about the speed Xavier Avery can bring to their lineup.

Avery was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles last summer in the Michael Morse trade.

"He's a gamer," Lloyd McClendon said. "He makes things happen. He has a couple tools that are game changing. He stole a base [Friday] off a guy that was 1.18 [seconds] to the plate. Those are the things that can change the scoreboard real quick. He's an interesting young man and he's making the most of his opportunities. He's certainly played well to this point."

Avery has a chance to earn some time in the outfield for Seattle this season.

"I'm getting a chance to put my foot forward, so I'm having fun here with the guys," Avery said. "It makes me happy that he's giving me an opportunity to show what I can bring to the table here."