Lee reaches primary goal in Mariners’ debut, throwing strikes in victory over Rangers

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Lee makes striking debut for Mariners

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Cliff Lee accomplished his primary objective in his spring debut for Seattle, throwing 36 of 46 pitches for strikes over three innings in the Mariners’ 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

The delayed debut of Seattle’s prized offseason acquisition came after surgery last month to remove a bone spur in his left foot. The 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner gave up a run and five singles with a strikeout and a walk.

Lee said his No. 1 goal against Texas was to locate his fastball. The left-hander said his foot is “a non-issue.”

Mike Sweeney, a 15-year veteran who signed a minor league deal right before camp, had a three-run double for Kansas City and is 10 for 13 in four spring games.