Seattle Mariners Roster Report 2009-04-08

The Mariners were hurt -- or helped, depending on your point of view -- by the World Baseball Classic this spring, with 11 players off at the WBC. Only in the last week of camp did the pieces begin to come together so that new manager Don Wakamatsu and new GM Jack Zduriencik could assess what they had. Overall, the starting pitching looks good, the bullpen looks weak and the offense and defense seem improved. But all the pieces haven't been together long enough to make a rational call.

--LHP Erik Bedard had never won a game in the Metrodome before Tuesday. He never came closer than he did this time, throwing four shutout innings to start the game and leaving with Seattle holding a 4-3 lead. However, the Mariners bullpen couldn't nail down the win for him. It was an encouraging start for Bedard, however, his first since surgery to remove a cyst from his shoulder last September. He was ahead in the count for the most part, and 22 of his first 30 pitches were strikes.

--3B Matt Tuiasosopo made the team by hitting .404 during the spring, getting the call after RF Ichiro Suzuki went on the disabled list. Tuiasosopo isn't expected to play much over 3B Adrian Beltre, but the Mariners are going to use his time with the team this month to add other positions to his resume. Before Tuesday's game, he worked in the outfield with the club's outfield coach, Lee Tinsley.

--LF Endy Chavez is having no trouble filling in for RF Ichiro Suzuki as Seattle's leadoff hitter. Chavez had three hits, including a two-run single, and scored two runs Tuesday. He also singled and scored a run in Monday's opener.

--RF Ichiro Suzuki will have a blood test Wednesday morning to see how he's progressing from a week ago, when extreme fatigue and ulcer problems forced him onto the disabled list for the first time in his career. He's not eligible to play until April 15, but Seattle is optimistic that he'll be ready by then.

LHP Tyler Johnson (left shoulder surgery in May 2008) started the season in the minors. He is attempting to rebuild his strength.

RHP Chad Cordero (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) signed a minor league deal with the Mariners during the spring, and he wasn't ready for opening day. He could return in May, however, and then would be a competitor for the closer's job.

RF Ichiro Suzuki (bleeding ulcer, excessive fatigue) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 31. He hopes to miss just the minimum 15 days.

LHP Cesar Jimenez (biceps tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 29.

LHP Ryan Feierabend (Tommy John elbow surgery in March 2009) went on the 60-day disabled list March 16.