MLB notes: Mariners lineup locked?
Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon dodged the question – well, he attempted to dodge the question – when asked whether Tuesday’s lineup against the San Diego Padres is the one he plans to use in the April 6 opener against the Los Angeles Angels.
“I can’t answer that,” he said. “I don’t even know what the lineup is. Trent made it.”
It’s true enough that bench coach Trent Jewett actually penned the lineup card in his distinctive handwriting. But, for the record, McClendon signed it.
The lineup: CF Austin Jackson, RF Seth Smith, 2B Robinson Cano, DH Nelson Cruz, 3B Kyle Seager, 1B Logan Morrison, C Mike Zunino, LF Dustin Ackley and SS Brad Miller.
Report on Iwakuma
The day-after reports were glowing for Hisashi Iwakuma’s effort Monday while pitching for Triple-A Tacoma against Round Rock (Texas) in Peoria.
“Outstanding,” McClendon said. “He threw the ball extremely well. Great command of the split.”
The Mariners kept Iwakuma in Peoria rather than have him face the Angels in Tempe because he is expected to face them in the regular season’s first series.
Iwakuma threw 44 of 72 pitches for strikes.
Padres 6, Mariners 4
The facts: Mariners pitcher J.A. Happ took a beating over 3 2/3 innings as the M’s fell 6-4 to San Diego in Peoria, Arizona.
Happ breezed through the first inning before giving up three runs in the second and three more in the third. He exited with two outs and runners at second and third in the fourth. He gave up eight hits and three walks.
“The result was ugly,” Happ said. “They poked a few through, and then they got the big hit. I don’t think it was an absolute disaster. I certainly could have been sharper.”
Plus: Austin Jackson and Seth Smith, the top two hitters in the lineup, each went 2 for 3. Jackson opened the game by lining a first-pitch double into the right-center gap. Smith followed with an RBI single. Smith hit his first spring homer in his next at-bat. Jackson had a two-out RBI single in his third at-bat.
Minus: Left fielder Dustin Ackley fueled San Diego’s three-run second inning by overrunning a ground single through the left side with the bases loaded. … First baseman Logan Morrison dropped a two-out foul pop that would have ended the third inning. … Robinson Cano was 0 for 3.
Clearing the bases
The Dodgers added Cuban 2B Hector Olivera, reportedly agreeing to a $62.5 million, six-year contract. Olivera, said to be 29, was on the Cuban team that won silver at the 2008 Olympics. … 2B Brian Dozier agreed to a $20 million, four-year contract with the Twins. The 27-year-old hit 23 homers last year. … Masahiro Tanaka is lined up to start the Yankees’ opener, which would end CC Sabathia’s streak of six straight opening-day starts. … The Dodgers will rest Hyun-Jin Ryu for two weeks to help ease the discomfort in his left shoulder. … Matt Harvey says he understands the Mets’ rationale not starting him opening day. “Whatever is decided on, when I get to throw, I’m going to be excited and all for it.” … Indians’ manager Terry Francona said it was unlikely Nick Swisher would be ready for opening day in his return from surgery on both knees. … The Rays will honor longtime advisor Don Zimmer , retiring uniform No. 66 before their season opener. Zimmer spent 11 years with the Rays. He was 83 when he died on June 4, 2014.