Video: Why Blanco is in and Shoppach is out

By 710Sports.com staff

The Mariners made a surprise move before tonight’s series opener against the Athletics, signing catcher Henry Blanco and designating Kelly Shoppach for assignment.

In the video above, Shannon Drayer explains the rationale behind that move and discusses another bit of pregame news regarding Tom Wilhelmsen’s status as Seattle’s closer.

First pitch for tonight’s game is 7:05. The game can be heard on 710 ESPN Seattle, and you can also follow along with our live gametracker.

Here is the Mariners’ lineup:

Jason Bay, RF
Nick Franklin, 2B
Kyle Seager, 3B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Michael Morse, DH
Raul Ibanez, LF
Mike Zunino, C
Michael Saunders, CF
Brendan Ryan, SS

Joe Saunders, SP