ANAHEIM, Calif. — Something was missing from the Seattle Mariners’ lineup Friday night at Angels Stadium.
Third baseman Kyle Seager was out for the first time in 106 straight games, snapping the longest consecutive games started streak by a Mariners player.
“I only had like 2,100 left to catch Cal Ripken,” Seager joked.
Seager could hardly remember when his last day off day came.
“Not really,” he said. “I think it was against Houston when (Erik) Bedard was pitching.”
Actually, his last off days came in Anaheim on May 22 and 23. Manager Eric Wedge pulled Seager aside early Friday afternoon to tell him he would get the night off.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while and I kind of hinted at it with you guys the other day,” Wedge said. “It was either going to be (Friday) or Sunday. I figured today after a travel day is a good thing, plus we’ve got Felix (Hernandez) pitching Sunday so you want to have a regular crew in there when he’s in there.”
Seager understood, but it’s clear he wanted to play.
“He doesn’t have to tell me anything if he doesn’t want to,” Seager said. “He just told me his thoughts behind everything and get a breather and finish out the rest of the season off.”
Wedge was so focused on the idea of giving Seager a day off that he put his name down twice in the reserves.
“Ask Daren Brown, he said I was doing it subconsciously,” Wedge said.
So what will Seager do with his day off?
“Well, I will probably take it a little easier today, just do some light cage stuff and get the work in I need to be ready for the game and not as much extra stuff,” Seager said.
Miller on the mend
Brad Miller, who is recovering from a strained hamstring suffered a week ago, ran sprints in the outfield and participated in a full batting practice and fielding regimen before the game. It’s a sign he’s close to returning.
“I’d play tonight if I could, but they want me to wait,” Miller said before Friday’s game. “I’m hoping for Sunday.”
It seems like a possibility since Wedge is hoping for Sunday or possibly Monday.
“He had a really good day today,” Wedge said. “He’s still not there yet, but he’s close.”
Rotation roulette
The Mariners starting rotation for the final homestand is still undecided. Brandon Maurer will start the first game on Monday against the Royals, but after that there is some uncertainty.
After saying Hisashi Iwakuma would make one more start this season following his win on Wednesday, Wedge wasn’t quite as definitive on Friday. Iwakuma has thrown 2112/3 innings this season. The Mariners’ original plan was to keep him below 210 innings.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
