Mariners believe struggling Rodney tipping pitches

SEATTLE - Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon thinks struggling reliever Fernando Rodney is tipping his pitches, causing some of his problems.

McClendon said before Monday's series opener with Arizona that his staff has been watching tape and there are some ''dramatic'' things that stand out and may have helped batters know what pitch is coming from the right-hander.

Rodney was pulled from the closer role in early June, but his struggles have continued. He has given up at least one earned run in six of his last eight appearances. He allowed Mark Teixeira's winning homer in the eighth inning on July 19 against the New York Yankees, then gave up a tying, two-run homer in the eighth inning of last Saturday's 8-6 loss to Toronto.

Rodney has appeared in 42 games and has a 5.90 ERA.