Gamel leads Mariners into series against Phillies

SEATTLE -- What's the difference between the Ben Gamel who hit .188 in 33 games with the New York Yankees and the Mariners last season and the one who is batting .346 for Seattle in 2017?

"Nothing really. Same guy," said the left fielder, who expects to be back in the lineup when the Mariners host the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night at Safeco Field. "Now I'm getting consistent at-bats."

Mariners manager Scott Servais noted that most of Gamel's 40 at-bats with Seattle last year came as a pinch hitter after he was acquired Aug. 31 from New York for right-handers Jio Orozco and Juan De Paula.

"He was joking with me that I think 20 of his at-bats were against closers," Servais said. "It's…