Mariners place DH Nelson Cruz on 10-day DL with sprained ankle

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Seattle Mariners have placed designated hitter Nelson Cruz on the 10-day disabled list after he suffered a sprained right ankle in the season-opening series against Cleveland.

Seattle made the move Tuesday before beginning a two-game series in San Francisco where Cruz was unlikely to play. The move was retroactive to April 1. The Mariners recalled utility player Taylor Motter to take Cruz's spot on the roster. Daniel Vogelbach is likely to get the majority of at-bats at designated hitter while Cruz is out.

Cruz started the season with two homers in his first six at-bats, but slipped on the dugout steps following a two-run homer in the sixth inning of Saturday's game…