"The sight of Franklin Gutierrez out in center field again will come none too soon for a Mariners squad needing more offense from someplace.

That offense was nonexistent Tuesday night in a 2-1 loss to a Minnesota Twins team that could barely manage a pulse of its own. But two first inning walks by Felix Hernandez allowed the Twins all the runs they'd need when Michael Cuddyer delivered a two-out single to score both runners.

Seattle went nowhere against southpaw Francisco Liriano during his seven innings, mustering just three hits all night versus the Twins starter and Minnesota's bullpen while striking out 12 times total.

After the game, the Mariners announced that pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen will be optioned to Class AA Jackson and Gutierrez activated so he can start in center field on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.

"On and off the field, Gut has been a solid major league player," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said after the game. "I had him when he was a young man coming up from the minor leagues. He's accomplished a lot since then. To have him around his teammates consistently in center field, in the lineup, it should be a boost for us."

Wedge said he has "multiple options out there now" in left field between Michael Saunders, Mike Wilson and Carlos Peguero. Saunders will back up Gutierrez a couple of games per week in center to start off, but Wedge wouldn't say who will be in left field on Wednesday."