We’re under the lights again tonight, this time against the Padres and, lucky for you, the game is being televised back to Seattle on FSN.
The lineup is posted on the clubhouse wall, and Jose Lopez is batting second again, with Jose Vidro moved down to fifth. Lopez seems more intent on working the count and going the opposite way this month, bult whether that translates into more fulltime duty in the second spot, we’ll see. If it works out, it’ll allow manager John McLaren to move switch-hitting Jose Vidro down in the order, where he can break up the string of right-handed hitters. He also could slide Vidro into the sixth spot and separate Richie Sexson and Brad Wilkerson, who both are capable of 100 or more strikeouts in a season (Can you say rallly killers?).
Here’s tonight’s lineup:
1, Ichiro Suzuki, center field
2, Jose Lopez, second base
3, Raul Ibanez, left field
4, Adrian Beltre, third base
5, Jose Vidro, first base
6, Brad Wilkerson, right field
7, Jamie Burke, catcher
8, Yuniesky Betancourt, shortstop
9, Miguel Batista, pitcher (It’s the Padres’ home game, so no DH)
Sexson isn’t playing because of his tender right shoulder. He DHed Wednesday night.
Among topics McLaren discussed with reporters a few minutes ago was his desire to set the roster before the Mariners break camp next Thursday. They’ll still have three exhibitions remaining, including two in Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday. McLaren believes it’s more than a little cruel to bring a guy to Vegas and then cut him. Kind of whoever’s cut in Vegas stays in Vegas?
McLaren also said Brandon Morrow, who’s had a stiff shoulder for more than a week, will throw in the bullpen Friday and should be pitching in a game in a few days.
On Friday, the best action might be on the minor league side of the complex. McLaren said Ichiro Suzuki, Raul Ibanez and Jose Lopez may get their at-bats in minor league games.
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