JETHAWKS REPORT : Drinkwater Signing Expected to Buoy Infield

Sean Drinkwater, a utility infielder, joined the JetHawks on Saturday, though he has not been activated.

Drinkwater, 24, had played for four seasons in the San Diego Padre system, peaking at double A last season, before he was signed as a free agent in the off-season by the Seattle Mariners.

After suffering a broken finger on his left hand in spring training, he was released, then the Mariners re-signed him a few days ago.

Drinkwater, who is expected to be activated within a week, would strengthen the left side of the infield, weakened by a season-ending injury to shortstop Luis Molina and another injury to third baseman Carlos Villalobos.

Manager Dave Brundage is not sure who will be moved to create a roster spot for Drinkwater. A likely scenario would be that catcher Scott Steinmann would be sent to Arizona to prepare for the season at Everett, Wash., where he was originally assigned. Steinmann would otherwise be the JetHawks’ fourth healthy catcher once Dusty Wathan is able to play again.

Wathan, who has been out since May 21 because of tendinitis in his left wrist, is expected to begin catching in the bullpen and possibly hitting Tuesday.

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Pitcher Brett Hinchliffe is starting to show the JetHawk staff the type of performance they expect from him. Hinchliffe struck out 10 and gave up two earned runs in seven innings Friday.

“I think a year has made a difference,” said JetHawk catcher Scot Sealy, who has worked with Hinchliffe the past two seasons in the California League. “He’s realized he doesn’t have to just blow gas by people. He can just pick his spots and beat them.”

Brundage and Hinchliffe said the pitcher is not as stubborn anymore, willing to go away from his strengths to get hitters out. Hinchliffe also has improved his fastball, Friday hitting 90 mph consistently for the first time this season.

“He’s taking steps in the right direction,” Brundage said. “I’ve seen a much better pitcher this year.”

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Ivan Montane, promoted from the JetHawks last Sunday, gave up four runs in five innings in his double-A debut Friday night. Pitching for the Port City Roosters against the Birmingham Barons, Montane did not get a decision in the Roosters’ 9-6 victory.

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Tonight’s Game:

JetHawks (Ken Cloude, 5-2, 3.73) at San Bernardino (Dennis Reyes, 4-4, 4.16), 5:05.