Mariners Game Preview: The King Returns

Feb 27, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) poses for a photo during media day at Peoria Sports Complex . Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) poses for a photo during media day at Peoria Sports Complex . Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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HAPPY FELIX DAY, everybody!

The Seattle Mariners (7-6) will face the Colorado Rockies (6-6) at Peoria Stadium on Monday afternoon. Taking the mound for the first time this spring for the Mariners is Felix Hernandez (0-0 0.00 ERA). Opposite the King for Colorado, will be another right hander in Tyler Chatwood (0-0 4.50 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

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As a veteran, Felix did not need a ton of tuning up coming into his tenth Spring Training as a starter. Felix is looking to put an unmemorable 2015 behind him with his first start this spring. We know that he wi€™ll put on an excellent game, and it’s exciting to see him in live action again.

After missing the entire 2015 season, Chatwood is making his third appearance and only second start this spring against the Mariners. Depending on how well he fares coming off his second Tommy John surgery, Chatwood is in the mix for a spot in the starting rotation for the Rockies this season.

Some notable player news before today’s action: the release of INF Gaby Sanchez, and the lingering injury issues of left-handed reliever Charlie Furbush. Sanchez was competing for the backup first base job with Mariners, but was most likely slated to start the season at Triple-A Tacoma. The shoulder injury that caused Furbush to miss time in 2015 is proving to be more of a concern as the Mariners are approaching Opening Day.

Here are the lineups for both the Mariners and the Rockies:

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Most of the players starting behind Felix today, we will most likely see three weeks from now on Opening Day in Arlington. The starters to keep an eye on in today’s game are outfield hopeful Boog Powell and infielder Chris Taylor, who is starting at third base today. Powell has not made much of an offensive splash this spring, registering just three hits in fourteen at bats for a .598 OPS. Taylor, a familiar name to Mariners fans, is hoping to make the club as a utility infielder. He continues to battle the currently impressive Luis Sardinas for the chance to back up Ketel Marte at shortstop this season.

Today’s split squad game will be broadcast live on Root Sports and MLB.TV on all connected devices. It will also be available to listen to on 710 ESPN Radio.

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Follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates throughout today’s action, and check back for the game recap after the final out of today’s game is recorded. Go Mariners!