Kratz presed into action to spare Astros’ bullpen

SEATTLE — The last thing a manager wants to do is put a position player on the mound, but it became a necessary evil for A.J. Hinch of the Astros in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s 11-1 loss to the Mariners at Safeco Field.

With the game out of hand and Astros long reliever Michael Feliz having thrown 42 pitches en route to giving up four runs in the seventh, Hinch turned to backup catcher Erik Kratz to work the eighth. He allowed three hits and two runs (one earned) in one inning and threw a couple of wild pitches, but it could have been worse.

“I didn’t walk anybody,” he said. “I was satisfied my elbow stayed together. I’d like to one day get on the mound and let one [fly], but I’d like to also keep playing my career, too.”

Kratz, acquired by the Astros at the end of Spring Training after Max Stassi had to undergo …

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