Branyan says he's happy to be back with the Mariners, the team he played for during the 2009 season.
View full sizeSeattle's Russell Branyan, who started this season with Cleveland, is no stranger to being traded, but he was surprised by the timing when the Indians sent him to Seattle.Clubhouse confidential: The Russ Bus is back -- for three days.
Russell Branyan, acquired by the Seattle Mariners from Cleveland on June 26, started at designated hitter Friday and batted third. He was hitting .211 with four homers and 11 RBI in 26 games for the Mariners.
The Indians received minor-leaguers OF Ezequiel Carrera and SS Juan Diaz for Branyan, who cracked 10 homers in 52 games for Cleveland.
"I was definitely surprised the trade happened, especially the timing of it," Branyan said. "But that's part of the game, and I've been traded several times."
Branyan's best season came last year with the Mariners. He hit 31 homers in 116 games before back trouble shut him down. He has been playing with a herniated disk this season.
"It was a little crazy knowing I'd be going back to the team I was with last year," he said. "And I had a chance to sign with them in the off-season. I was sad to leave Cleveland, but I'm excited to be back here."
Branyan made his major-league debut with the Indians in 1998. He was in the Cleveland system until the 2002 season, when the Reds traded for him.
Stat of the day: According to the Indians' media relations department, right-hander Jeanmar Gomez on Thursday became the fourth Tribe pitcher since 1920 to win at least three of his first four major-league games while starting. He joined Scott Lewis (2008), Wynn Hawkins (1960) and Mudcat Grant (1958).
Gomez improved to 3-0 with a victory over the Orioles.
Stat of the day II: Gomez's 1.54 ERA is lowest among any Indians pitcher through his first four major-league games -- all being starts -- since 1920.