Report: Griffey found asleep during game

SEATTLE, May 10 (UPI) -- Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. was asleep in the clubhouse last week when the M's needed a pinch-hitter, unnamed teammates say.

Citing unnamed Mariners players, the Tacoma News Tribune reported that Griffey was found asleep during a game when manager Don Wakamatsu needed a pinch-hitter for catcher Rob Johnson.

The newspaper said Wakamatsu was vague when asked why he hadn't sent the 40-year-old fading veteran star in to hit, but teammates said it was because the manager didn't want to disturb Griffey.

Griffey "was asleep in the clubhouse," one player told the News Tribune. "He'd gone back about the fifth inning to get a jacket and didn't come back. I went back in about the seventh inning -- and he was in his chair, sound asleep."

Another player added, "He doesn't sleep well at night, he's away from his family, he's comfortable in the clubhouse. They could have awakened him."