Raul Ibanez Nominee for Clemente Award

Sep 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder

(28) congratulated by teammates after scoring in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez is among this year’s nominees for the 2013 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Major League Baseball announced the nominees for the award Monday. Starting today, the 12th annual Roberto Clemente Day, fans can vote for who they think deserves the 2013 award.

The award goes to the player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

In addition to Ibanez, the other American League nominees include: Adam Jones of the Orioles, Craig Breslow of the Red Sox, Hector Santiago of the White Sox, Justin Masterson of the Indians, Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers, Jose Altuve of the Astros, Billy Butler of the Royals, Jered Weaver of the Angels, Justin Morneau of the Twins, David Robertson of the Yankees, Sean Doolittle of the A’s, David Price of the Rays and J.P. Arencibia of the Blue Jays.

National League nominees include Aaron Hill of the D-backs, Tim Hudson of the Braves, Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs, Bronson Arroyo of the Reds, Todd Helton of the Rockies, Adrian Gonzalez of the Dodgers, Logan Morrison of the Marlins, Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers, David Wright of the Mets, Chase Utley of the Phillies, Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates, Carlos Beltran of the Cardinals, Mark Kotsay of the Padres, Barry Zito of the Giants and Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals.

Ibañez was one of the co-chairs of this year’s annual Mariners Care Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament on June 24, which raised $220,000. During his three stints with the Mariners, Raul has hosted this charity tournament six times. Over the years, the event has raised over $1.176 million for CF research.

Over his career, Raul has supported a number of local charities and non-profits including but not limited to; Boys & Girls Clubs, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Esperanza, Volunteers of America, Teammates For Kids Foundation, Olive Crest, Treehouse, Canine Companions For Independence, Covenant House Pennsylvania and Project H.O.M.E.

Raul was the Mariners nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for three consecutive seasons from 2006-2008.

Felix Targets Weekend Return

The wait for Felix Hernandez to return to the Mariners rotation will drag into the weekend. After throwing a bullpen session Monday at Comerica Park, pitching coach Carl Willis said Felix needs to throw again on Thursday before making his first start since leaving with a strained oblique on Sept. 2.

If all goes well Thursday, Felix will pitch either Saturday or Sunday in Anaheim and would likely get one more start in the final series of  the year, at home against Oakland. Stay tuned.

Miller Misses A 2nd Start

Rookie shortstop Brad Miller missed a second consecutive start on Monday in Detroit. Miller was pulled from Saturday’s game against St. Louis when he felt his leg tighten up after legging out a sacrifice bunt.

Miller says he hopes to return in a few days.

In the meantime, fellow rookie Carlos Triunfel is getting some action at short in Miller’s absence.