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Mariners Game Notes: Kyle Seager Out with Jammed Left Thumb

By Brian Helberg

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The Seattle Mariners (9-11) will go for their first sweep of the season tonight against the Texas Rangers (7-13) in Arlington. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm PT Wednesday from Globe Life Park. Felix Hernandez (3-0, 1.61 ERA) will get the ball for the Mariners in the series finale. Veteran southpaw Wandy Rodriguez (0-0, 1.80 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Rangers. Root Sports will broadcast tonight’s game live, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

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The Mariners are currently tied with the Los Angeles Angels for 2nd place in the American league West. After last night’s win against the Rangers, Seattle is just 4.0 games back of the division leading Houston Astros.

Mariners’ Manager Lloyd McClendon and Rangers’ skipper Jeff Banister have released the following lineups for tonight’s series finale:

Kyle Seager Out with Thumb Issue

For the first time in nearly a year, Kyle Seager is not in the Mariners’ starting 9 on Wednesday night. Seags reportedly jammed his left thumb last week, and it has been bothering him ever since.

It sounds as though Seager’s thumb is a non issue, and thankfully will not require a trip to the disable list. McClendon is simply giving Seags a night off to rest his thumb for the upcoming 4-game series in Houston. Veteran Willie Bloomquist will man the hot corner for the M’s tonight in Arlington.

Justin Ruggiano Hitting 2nd on Wednesday

The Mariners’ 4th outfielder has put together back-to-back quality games hitting at or near the top of the order. Ruggiano has drawn his 3rd consecutive start tonight for the M’s, as he will hit second and play right field in the series finale against the Rangers. Typically a reserve player, Ruggiano has taken advantage of the extra playing time this week. The veteran outfielder walked twice, scored twice and stole a base in the opener. Ruggiano followed Monday’s impressive showing by going 2 for 4 in last night’s ballgame. Hopefully he can get on base a few times tonight to set the table for Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz.

Apr 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) stretches at the plate during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Pick to Click

I expect another strong outing tonight from King Felix, as he should have no problem shutting down the Rangers’ bats. However, it is too easy to pick Hernandez as my pick to click. I am hoping to see a bit more offense tonight, and I believe Robinson Cano will lead the way. On the surface, this is not a great matchup for Cano with a southpaw on the mound. However, Robby is currently in the middle of an 0 for 13 slump, and he seems due for a big night. I am predicting Cano will tally at least 2 hits, and he will drive in 2 runs tonight in Texas.

Final Score Prediction

I think tonight will be a cake walk for the Mariners. They have their ace on the hill, and Seattle has looked like the superior team throughout the first 2 games. However, Wandy Rodriguez is no slouch, and I don’t expect a scoring spree for the M’s. I predict a 5-1 victory for the Mariners on Wednesday night in Arlington. Get your brooms ready!

Check back with SoDo Mojo following tonight’s game for a full recap of the Mariners’ victory over the Rangers (fingers crossed!)

Next: Mariners Game Recap: Happ Strikes Out 9 in Win

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