Notebook: Mariners look to beat the rain, get a full game in
Feb 22, 2019, 9:43 AM
Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi made minor adjustments going into spring training. (AP)
(AP)
PEORIA, Ariz. – The Mariners and A’s will look to get nine innings in Friday, weather willing, after Thursday’s rain-shortened game. The forecast in Peoria is much better than the day before with just a 30 percent chance of rain at game time.
Drayer: Despite rainout, plenty to like from Mariners’ short spring opener
It will be chilly, however, with temperatures in the low 40s throughout the morning and not expected to break 50 until after the game. The cold, wet conditions of the past week prompted new Mariners catcher Omar Narváez to ask manager Scott Servais if this is what it is like in Seattle. I’d say a pretty good representation of April at T-Mobile Park, with one big thing missing: the roof.
“It’s easier when it is warm, you get your body loosened up quicker, you get a sweat going, but it is what it is,” Servais said. “The guys have been handling it the right way. It’s been remarkably cold down here with the rain. You just have got to deal with it.”
On Sunday we should see our first temperature in the 60s in over a week, and then next week a steady stream of sunny and 70s is in the forecast for after Monday. An improvement that will be much appreciated.
But for now, break out the thermals and have the Gortex near by.
Lineup!
Dee Gordon, 2B
Mitch Haniger, RF
Jay Bruce, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Ryon Healy, 1B
J.P. Crawford, SS
Ichiro, LF
Jake Fraley, CF
David Freitas, C
Mike Leake, RHP
Listed as available to pitch: Ruben Alaniz, Dan Altavilla, Shawn Armstrong, Chasen Bradford, Justin Dunn, Robin Leyer, Zac Rosscup, Nick Rumbelow.
One lineup note: No need for concern that Edwin Encarnación has not been in either of the Mariners’ first two lineups. The veteran has a preference for starting games a little later in the spring.
Notes
• It will take some doing, but Yusei Kikuchi will get in his third and final live batting practice session Friday morning. The field for the BP was not listed on the daily assignment list as they were trying to find which had the driest mound and plate area.
• Justus Sheffield, who was scheduled to pitch following Marco Gonzales against the A’s in Mesa on Thursday, will not get those innings back in Friday’s game. He is dealing with a small finger blister and the Mariners want to give him a couple of extra days before throwing him in a game. His work otherwise has not been disrupted. He has been playing catch and is scheduled to throw a bullpen Friday.
• Kyle Lewis has the pinkie on his right hand taped to his ring finger after dislocating it in a base running situational drill Wednesday. He is expected to be able to pick up a bat and hit in the cages in the next few days.
• Managers and coaches typically sit on folding chairs just outside the dugout during spring training games, but with so many new faces and personalities on the the club, Servais has a new plan for this year. “With this group I want to spend more time in the dugout,” he explained. “I want to hear the conversations. I want to get a better feel for our guys a little bit quicker.”
Drayer: Healy builds new foundation at plate after up-and-down M’s debut
