Opponent: Boston Red Sox
When: 7:05 p.m. today, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, 5:05 p.m. Sunday
Where: Safeco Field
TV: KIRO (Ch. 7) today, Fox Sports Net (cable) Saturday, ESPN (cable) Sunday.
Radio: KIRO (710 AM)
Pitchers: Today – Seattle right-hander Joel Pineiro (2-0, 2.08 earned run average) vs. right-hander Frank Castillo (2-2, 3.31). Saturday – Left-hander John Halama (1-0, 3.52) vs. left-hander Darren Oliver (4-1, 3.18). Sunday – Right-hander James Baldwin (3-2, 5.36) vs. right-hander Pedro Martinez (4-0, 3.49)
The Mariners rolled out the welcome mat again Thursday and 22-year-old Rafael Soriano walked over it.
Soriano, called up from Class AA San Antonio to replace injured Jeff Nelson, became the third rookie pitcher in as many days to join the Mariners. Julio Mateo arrived Tuesday (replacing Brian Fitzgerald, who was sent to Class AAA Tacoma) and Justin Kay came Wednesday (replacing injured Paul Abbott).
Soriano spent much of the day flying to Seattle from San Antonio and he arrived in the Mariners’ clubhouse at 4 p.m., about an hour after most players showed up.
Arthur Rhodes was waiting.
“Do you ever come on time?” Rhodes asked. “You were late for spring training, now for your first day as a major leaguer.”
Soriano missed much of spring training because of visa problems in the Dominican Republic.
“And,” Rhodes continued to shout at the neatly dressed Soriano, “get those earrings out.”
Several Mariners also greeted Soriano, and Mike Cameron and James Baldwin each gave him a hug.
Rhodes, standing nearby, cast a stern look at Soriano and said, “Well, where’s my hug?”
Soriano gave him one, then dressed for the first time in a major league uniform.
“Right now I’m so happy,” said Soriano, a converted outfielder who started 14 games for the Everett AquaSox in 1999. “I will try to pitch the same here or better than I did in San Antonio. I think I can make it here.”
Soriano went 2-3 with a 2.63 ERA in seven games at San Antonio.
Edgar improves: Edgar Martinez reported to the ballpark Thursday somewhat sore but feeling much better than he did 24 hours earlier.
The Mariners still weren’t sure how much Martinez’s comeback from surgery will be delayed after he felt pain while taking batting practice Wednesday. He originally was to return on Tuesday, but a new timetable may be set today.
“He’s a little sore but he’s not too bad,” trainer Rick Griffin said.
Martinez felt a sharp pain behind his knee, in the area where a tendon was removed last month, while taking a swing. Dr. Larry Pedegana, the team medical director, suspected Martinez felt scar tissue releasing.
On Thursday, Martinez worked out in the Mariners’ water facility and rode a stationary bike. Pedegana is expected to re-examine Martinez today and determine more precisely when he can start a short minor league rehab assignment before returning to the Mariners.
Cirillo OK: Third baseman Jeff Cirillo wasn’t in the starting lineup Thursday but said he felt good enough to play after being hit by a pitch on his left arm in the second inning Wednesday.
Cirillo suffered a bruise on his triceps muscle but went through his full pregame workout and was available for pinch-hitting duty.
Kirby Arnold
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