Ichiro Has Bleeding Ulcer...Gross

Hold the wasabi!  Ichiro is out?

What started out as a rumor that Seattle Mariners’ right fielder Ichiro Suzuki might miss the rest of spring training took a wrong turn Thursday.  As it turns out, Ichiro will be making a full-blown trip to the DL with Opening Day just a weekend away.

The M’s leadoff man extraordinaire, Ichiro will be sidelined with a bleeding ulcer until further notice.  His trip to the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 31, means he cannot be activated until April 15, the team’s second home game of the year.

That means the new-look Mariners will likely get a heavy dose of Endy Chavez atop their lineup for at least the first week of ‘09.  Wladimir Balentien could also see time in right field in Ichiro’s absence.

The M’s season kicks off on Monday, April 6 in Minnesota.

For now, Ichiro will be subject to rest and less-acidic foods.  So you can scratch that hot mustard.  Sorry.

Posted in Mariners