Mariners expect two relievers to open season on disabled list

PEORIA, Ariz. – The thinning continues in the Mariners’ bullpen.

General manager Jerry Dipoto confirmed Wednesday that right-handed relievers Evan Scribner and Ryan Cook are likely to open the season on the disabled list because of strained latissimus dorsi muscles in their back.

Both underwent re-examinations earlier this week.

“Actually, the news was better than we expected,” Dipoto said, “but it still looks like they’re going to open the season down here (in extended spring training). That’s going to create opportunities for some other guys.”

Meanwhile, luckless left-hander Danny Hultzen is back on the shelf after experiencing renewed shoulder problems after throwing 25 pitches Saturday in live batting practice.

“He’s in a holding pattern right now,” manager Scott Servais confirmed. “Some stiffness in his shoulder. I don’t see when he’ll be in a game. That’s too bad.

“We brought him in and used him exclusively as a reliever. It’s all about bouncing back. He was moving along very well, and then he had a setback.”

Another club official characterized Hultzen’s status as “not good.”

The injuries to Scribner and Cook appear to increase the opportunities for right-handers Tony Zych and Joel Peralta to win middle-relief roles Peralta is a non-roster invite and can choose to become a free agent if he doesn’t make the club.

“From what I understand,” Servais said, “you probably won’t see (Scribner or Cook) in game action any time soon. We’ve got to build them back up.

“Cookie is probably going to be down for a little bit, but Scribner has had (lat issues) happen a couple of different times (in his career), so we’re very cautious with those guys. It does take away from our depth.”

Hultzen, 26, was the second overall pick in the 2011 draft and appeared on a fast track to the big leagues before a series of shoulder ailments derailed his career. He underwent surgery on Oct. 1, 2013 to repair his labrum and rotator cuff.

After missing all of 2014, Hultzen pitched just eight innings last year at Double-A Jackson before suffering a strained rotator cuff that ended his season. The Mariners converted him this year to a reliever in hopes of aiding his recovery.

Mariners defeat Royals

Ed Lucas delivered a little forget-me-not Wednesday when he delivered a pair of tie-breaking hits that helped the Mariners to a 7-5 victory over a Kansas City split squad at Peoria Stadium.

Lucas, now 33, spent his first seven professional seasons in the Royals’ organization from 2004-10. He signed a minor-league contract last December with the Mariners.

It was 4-4 when Benji Gonzalez opened the eighth inning with a pop bunt that fell safely against Kansas City reliever Brooks Pounders. Gonzalez went to second on a wild pitch and to third on a long fly.

Lucas then delivered a RBI double, which hopped the right-field wall. Dae-Ho Lee followed with an RBI single before the Mariners scored another run on an error.

Jonathan Aro gave one run back in the ninth before closing out the victory. The Mariners evened their spring record at 4-4; the Royals are 4-6.