Split-squad lineups and Club M

By Shannon Drayer

Split-squad action for the Mariners today as half the team will head to Phoenix to take on the A’s and the other half to Surprise for a game with the Royals. All eyes will be on the latter as Felix Hernandez will make his first start of the spring.

Felix was his usual game-day loud, bouncy self this morning. Wearing one of Michael Morse’s 22 Fresh tees that said “RUN” on it and black Air Jordans, he polished off two Chick-fil-A sandwiches and then took over the sound system in the clubhouse and started blasting Latin club music. There may have been some dancing in a few corners of the clubhouse. Needless to say, everyone, including the press group, is awake now.

Felix will throw two innings in his first time out with a pitch count of around 35. If he makes quick work of those innings he will throw more on the side if he desires or they will just add a bit to his next start. He will not come back for a third inning.

Lineup for the game against the Royals:

Seager 5
Wells 7
Smoak 3
Morse DH
Peguero 9
Shoppach 2
Morban 8
Triunfel 6
Romero 4

Hernandez

For the game against the A’s:

Andino 4
Thames 7
Bay 9
Morales DH
Jacobs 3
Zunino 2
Miller 6
Catricala 5
Martinez 8

Maurer

Of note, Eric Wedge will go with the group to Phoenix.

One piece of news: Danny Hultzen is feeling much better after suffering a mild strain of the hip flexor late last week and could throw a bullpen as soon as Friday.