Mariners notebook: Plenty to watch in game against the Dodgers

PEORIA, Ariz. – Greetings from sunny Arizona. It’s been a little chilly the past few days but we should see temperatures in the mid 80’s through the weekend. Perfect baseball weather!

The team will travel to Glendale today to take on the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. While today’s lineup does not feature the regulars, there is plenty to watch as a number of players of interest will take the field.

Patrick Kivlehan opening eyes with rapid rise through Mariners’ system

Lineup!

Justin Ruggiano, CF
Rickie Weeks, LF
Franklin Gutierrez, DH
Jesus Montero, 1B
D.J. Peterson, 3B
Stefen Romero, RF
Willie Bloomquist, 2B
Chris Taylor, SS
Jesus Sucre, C

Erasmo Ramirez, SP

We will get our first look at Justin Ruggiano in center. Rickie Weeks plays the outfield for the first time. Franklin Gutierrez returns to the field after dealing with illness for the last year. Jesus Montero, well, plenty to watch there. D.J. Peterson gets the start at third and will see at least one big-league pitcher. We will see how Willie Bloomquist is moving at second base after micro-fracture surgery while Chris Taylor and Jesus Sucre are competing for spots, so every inning is important for them. Interesting lineup to say the least.

Notes

• Felix Hernandez will make his Cactus-League debut next Wednesday against the Rockies. Fernando Rodney is scheduled to make his first appearance Sunday.

• Ji-Man Choi has been designated for assignment and there is little doubt he will clear waivers. The Mariners needed a roster spot as Edgar Olmos was returned to them after being claimed by the Rangers. MLB voided the move after the Rangers claimed that Olmos reported with shoulder impingement. Olmos is in camp and working out but we have yet to see him throw.

• Probables through Monday: Ramirez today, Hisashi Iwakuma at Arizona Saturday, Jordan Pries at White Sox Saturday, J.A. Happ at Reds Sunday, Taijuan Walker vs. Cleveland Monday.

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