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Geoff Baker covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times. He provides daily coverage of the team throughout spring training, and during the season.

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April 17, 2008 5:52 PM

Sexson out a day, maybe more

Posted by Geoff Baker

A shot of Richie Sexson, above, trying out a new split-fingered fastball under the watchful eye of pitching coach J.J. Putz. OK, maybe not. But the two players have something in common tonight. Both are hurt and not going to play. Sexson has been bothered by nagging leg and shoulder pain and is getting a rest. Might get another rest tomorrow. Greg Norton gets the start at first base.

Here's John McLaren's explanation:

"Richie's had a sore leg, a sore shoulder,'' he said. "I wanted to calm things down a bit.''

McLaren added he wasn't certain Sexson would play tomorrow night's opener in Anaheim.

"I don't know,'' he said. "You know him. He wants to play every day. But he's got some soreness.''

Brad Wilkerson also gets a night off. Willie Bloomquist is in to face the lefty pitcher. Yes, yes, I know, some of you are going to write in telling me Wilkerson has better splits against southpaws. He's also not hitting. So he gets the night off to collect himself.

Two former catchers, above, ponder the meaning of life. McLaren and Ray Fosse, famous for getting run over by Pete Rose at home plate in the 1970 all-star game. Fosse was also an original Mariner in 1977. Now a color commentator for the Oakland A's television broadcasts.

The lineups for tonight's game:

MARINERS (8-8)

51 Ichiro CF
4 Jose Lopez 2B
28 Raul Ibanez LF
29 Adrian Beltre 3B
3 Jose Vidro DH
10 Greg Norton 1B
2 Kenji Johjima C
16 Willie Bloomquist RF
5 Yuniesky Betancourt SS

52 Carlos Silva RHP

ATHLETICS (9-7)

6 Travis Buck RF
14 Mark Ellis 2B
10 Daric Barton 1B
32 Jack Cust DH
8 Emil Brown LF
7 Bobby Crosby SS
15 Ryan Sweeney CF
24 Kurt Suzuki C
22 Jack Hannahan 3B

25 Lenny DiNardo LHP