Mariners notebook: Felix Day edition

PEORIA, Ariz. – Felix Hernandez makes his 2015 Cactus League debut today and it will be the last time you see him on a main field for a while. Manager Lloyd McClendon has decided that both his and Hisashi Iwakuma’s next starts will be on back fields against minor-league hitters in simulated games. The reason? The competition.

Iwakuma’s next start is lined up to be against Oakland and Felix would be lined up against the Dodgers, both teams that the Mariners are scheduled to play in April.

“I don’t want them facing teams we are going to play early.” McClendon said. “I don’t like doing that. Any type of edge we can get by not having to face them early. They are just trying to build up. They are not trying to make the club.”

Neither pitcher needs to face big-league hitters at this point. Early games for them are about fine-tuning. It is about them, not who they are facing.

As for who the Mariners could be facing looking ahead, well, that could be interesting. Bob Dutton of The News Tribune pointed out this morning that the Rockies – who the Mariners face today – have a split squad that would be any manager’s nightmare, McClendon’s included as he made a face when this was pointed out. In one game they face the Mariners and Felix. In the other game, the Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw. Take your pick.

So Felix and Kershaw are on the same turn right now, which means that the Mariners could see the reigning National League Cy Young winner on Sunday, unless manager Don Mattingly has the same thought, or not. If you count out the probables there is no way for either Felix or Kershaw to start games in the Mariners/Dodgers series if both are opening day starters. Curious move on McClendon’s part.

Lineup!

James Jones, RF
Austin Jackson, CF
Dustin Ackley, LF
Logan Morrison, DH
D.J. Peterson, 3B
Brad Miller, 2B
Willie Bloomquist, 1B
Chris Taylor, SS
Jesus Sucre, C

Felix Hernandez, SP

Notes

• Nelson Cruz is not in the lineup for the second straight game but there is nothing to be alarmed about. I asked McClendon about this and he said it was all part of the plan. Cruz gets an extra work day today and should start the next three games.

• ESPN has picked up for national broadcast the Jackie Robinson Day game between the Mariners and Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 15. A day that was already circled on my calendar just got better.

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