BRENT STECKER

Lineups: Mariners take a different approach against lefty pitcher

Apr 14, 2017, 4:03 PM | Updated: 4:10 pm

Guillermo Heredia will take over the leadoff spot with a lefty on the mound, while Leonys Martin wi...

Guillermo Heredia will take over the leadoff spot with a lefty on the mound, while Leonys Martin will sit. (AP)

(AP)

The Mariners will try out Guillermo Heredia in the leadoff spot and keep Leonys Martin on the bench for Friday’s series opener at Safeco Field against the Texas Rangers, who are starting southpaw Martin Perez on the mound.

With Heredia, who hits right-handed, playing left field and hitting out of the No. 1 spot, lefty-swinging Jarrod Dyson shifts to center field and will hit ninth.

Stecker: Mariners activate reliever Tony Zych ahead of Rangers series

The Mariners also have Danny Valencia back in the starting lineup, hitting seventh and playing first base, after he got a rest in Wednesday’s series finale vs. Houston. Valencia has struggled out of the gate this season, hitting 5 for 35, but he has a history of mashing lefties with a career average of .320 and OPS of .871 against them.

Pitching for Seattle will be Felix Hernandez, who’s making his season debut in front of the King’s Court at Safeco.

First pitch for the Mariners and Rangers is set for 7:10 on 710 ESPN Seattle. Pregame begins at 6.

Mariners (2-8)

Guillermo Heredia, LF
Mitch Haniger, RF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Taylor Motter, SS
Danny Valencia, 1B
Mike Zunino, C
Jarrod Dyson, CF

Felix Hernandez, RHP

Rangers (4-5)

Carlos Gomez, CF
Shin-Soo Choo, DH
Nomar Mazara, RF
Mike Napoli, 1B
Rougned Odor, 2B
Elvis Andrus, SS
Jonathan Lucroy, C
Joey Gallo, 3B
Jurickson Profar, LF

Martin Perez, LHP

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
High 54° | Low 41°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 7:10pm

Brent Stecker

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

Mariners Odds & Ends: MLB The Show ratings, uniform notes and more

A look at some Seattle Mariners notes that have nothing to do with the box scores, including video game ratings, new hats and promotions.

21 days ago

Seattle Mariners Cade Marlowe...

Brent Stecker

Which Mariners stood out in first week of spring training games?

We break down which Seattle Mariners players have provided the highlights after a week of spring training, with plenty of video along the way.

25 days ago

Seattle Mariners trade Polanco Jorge...

Brent Stecker

Mariners Trade Breakdown: Who is new 2B Jorge Polanco?

Do the Seattle Mariners finally have their answer at second base after their trade for one-time All-Star Jorge Polanco?

2 months ago

Seattle Mariners Mitch Garver...

Brent Stecker

What stands out as Mariners make Mitch Garver signing official

The Seattle Mariners have officially signed of Mitch Garver. We look at what was revealed in Thursday's announcement by the team.

3 months ago

UW Huskies Sugar Bowl Michael Penix Jr. Alamo Texas...

Brent Stecker

Here we go again: How are UW Huskies underdogs in Sugar Bowl?

Despite a higher ranking in several key ways, the No. 2 UW Huskies are the underdogs against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl. We take a look a why.

4 months ago

Seattle Kraken...

Brent Stecker

Was Kraken’s Winter Classic jersey leaked by NBA team, wrestling company?

The Seattle Kraken Winter Classic uniforms have yet to be officially released, but an NBA team and wrestling company apparently leaked their sweaters this weekend.

4 months ago

Lineups: Mariners take a different approach against lefty pitcher