Notebook: Mariners’ lineup set for Cactus League opener, plus injury updates

PEORIA, Ariz. – There is torrential rain in the Phoenix area, but the A’s have told the Mariners the field in Mesa looks OK and they will attempt to get their Cactus League opener in today. To Mesa we go.

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With that, I give you the first lineup for today’s 12:05 p.m. game.

Lineup!

Shed Long, 2B
Tim Beckham, SS
Domingo Santana, LF
Omar Narváez, C
Ryon Healy, 1B
Daniel Vogelbach, DH
Tito Polo, RF
Dylan Moore, 3B
Braden Bishop, CF

Marco Gonzales, LHP

Justus Sheffield is scheduled to follow Gonzales, with both expected to throw two innings.

TARP! pic.twitter.com/a4i5Y0bXgH

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) February 21, 2019

Notes

• Ichiro, who was hit on the foot by a pitch from Félix Hernández in live BP Wednesday, and Kyle Lewis, who suffered a dislocated pinky sliding into a base in a situational drill, have both checked out fine with X-rays coming back negative.

• Asked about what he has seen from Félix so far this spring, this is what Mariners manager Scott Servais said in his morning media session: “It’s been rusty, just the command, where it is coming out. He will pitch in a game soon, get his pitches in and see how that looks.”

• No official word yet on who the starting pitchers will be in the two games against the A’s in the Japan opening series, but Servais said that it is possible they will bring a third starter who would be available if something happens early in one of the games. Roenis Elias, who is out of minor league options and expected to be in the bullpen, will also get extended innings in some outings this spring to make sure he is stretched out if needed.

• Relievers on the mend: Max Povse got up on the mound for the first time in camp after being held back with shoulder soreness, while Anthony Swarzak, who has also been slowed in camp, is expected to throw from the mound later next week.

• Mariners position players will have “player plans” this year, according to Servais. “We are going to do something a little different,” he said. “Putting plans together, making sure they understand where they are and how they are tracking to meet goals they have put together and want to achieve.”

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