Monday morning we learned that Ben Gamel will be out four to six weeks because of a oblique muscle strain and then a couple hours later we heard that Ichiro Suzuki is coming back. I don’t know about anyone else but it was a surprise to me that is for sure.
It will be interesting what role that Ichiro will play for the Mariners. Ichiro being a left handed hitter like Gamel will he platoon with Guillermo Heredia in left field or be ready for spot starts only.
I know that some fans and some of the media don’t like Ichiro coming back because he is in his forties while others are glad to see him. The Mariners had no interest in signing Ichiro until Gamel’s injury. It shows to that the Mariners don’t have much confidence in the other outfielders who are trying to make the team as reserves.
Spring training is still three weeks to go so we will see whether Ichiro can still do it or not. I am sure Dipoto is looking out there for other outfielders as well. Those who are upset with the decision to bring Ichiro back are wanting to know why they aren’t going after more starting pitching instead. I can see and think the same way they are as well. Actually I believe they can do both use Ichiro or another outfielder along with going out and getting another starter.
With the unknown status of Felix Hernandez and Erasmo Ramirez the only veteran presence is James Paxton and Mike Leake who makes his next start Tuesday night. The other pitchers vying for a spot in the rotation don’t have the experience the Mariners really need to compete for the playoffs. Marco Gonzales who has had a good start to spring training looks to make his way into the rotation but he is still a question and then there is Andrew Moore and Ariel Miranda as well.
With or without Gamel the offense should be in pretty good shape for the season unless another injury happens. It is amazing that the Mariners are going through injuries once again like last season. We can only hope that it stops here. Mitch Haniger is now going to start playing in games so it is possible that Ichiro may need to play in right field on occasion as well. Though he has been fielding when will Ryon Healy start getting in games too? The fortunate side the hitters don’t need as much time as the pitchers to be ready for the season.
Don’t forget Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night games starting at 5:40 pm is on Roots Sports. If you plan go to spring training next would be a good to time to show up because you will see more of the regulars playing. The minor leaguers who were not in camp already reported on Monday for physicals so they will be out there to beginning Tuesday. So a lot of action and seeing your favorite players it is good time to go. So we hope that no more injuries happen so the Mariners will be ready to go on March 29 against the Cleveland Indians. Go M’s.
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