The Mariners will make their first roster move midweek when RF Ichiro Suzuki comes off the disabled list. When that happens, Ichiro will become the leadoff hitter and LF Endy Chavez, who had a huge first week as the leadoff man, will be moved around or will sit on the bench as manager Don Wakamatsu tries to juggle his lineup to find playing time for Chavez, LF/DH Ken Griffey Jr. and DH Mike Sweeney.
PLAYER NEWS: --LF Endy Chavez has a seven-game hitting streak as the Mariners' leadoff hitter this first week of the season. The last man to open the season for Seattle with a seven-game hitting streak was the man Chavez is subbing for as the leadoff hitter, RF Ichiro Suzuki, who did it in 2005.
--OF Wladimir Balentien sprained his left wrist trying to make a diving catch against Oakland SS Orlando Cabrera Saturday in the first inning. He wasn't in the lineup Sunday, but he said he was OK, available to pinch-hit or play defense, if needed.
--3B Matt Tuiasosopo is the only Mariner not to have appeared in a game yet. And he may not get the chance anytime soon. The Mariners are off Monday, play their home opener on Tuesday. And on Wednesday, if all goes as planned, RF Ichiro Suzuki will come off the disabled list and Tuiasosopo is the likely candidate to be sent down.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Wladimir Balentien (sprained left wrist) was hurt April 11, and he didn't play April 12. He is day-to-day.
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 appeared in an extended spring training game on April 9 and a minor league intrasquad game April 10 and is on track to return April 15.
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.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Felix Hernandez
2. LHP Erik Bedard
3. RHP Carlos Silva
4. LHP Jarrod Washburn
5. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith
BULLPEN:
RHP Brandon Morrow (closer)
RHP Miguel Batista
RHP Roy Corcoran
RHP Mark Lowe
RHP Chris Jakubauskas
RHP David Aardsma
LHP Shawn Kelley
LINEUP:
1. RF Endy Chavez
2. 2B Jose Lopez
3. LF Ken Griffey Jr.
4. 3B Adrian Beltre
5. 1B Russell Branyan
6. DH Mike Sweeney
7. C Kenji Johjima
8. SS Yuniesky Betancourt
9. CF Franklin Gutierrez
RESERVES:
C Rob Johnson
INF Ronny Cedeno
OF Wladimir Balentien
INF Matt Tuiasosopo
