Ichiro Suzuki To Play Regularly
7 years agoSeattle Mariners veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is expected to play four to six days a week to begin the season, at least until outfielder Ben Gamel's (oblique) return, according to general manager Jerry Dipoto. Helping Suzuki's cause is the fact that both Mitch Haniger and Guillermo Heredia have been dealing with injuries in spring training, too. "We don't envision an organizational icon sitting on the bench regularly," Dipoto said. "There had to be a way we could get him regular at-bats and allow him to do the things he's capable of doing." Despite hitting just .255 in limited at-bats for the Marlins last year, Suzuki hit .299 in the second half. He started only 23 games in the outfield in 2017, and over half of his at-bats came as a pinch hitter. He will primarily play left field in Seattle, but he could also fill in in right if needed. It's good news that Ichiro will be seeing regular playing time to begin the year, but it's unlikely to last as long as Seattle's outfielders are healthy. Suzuki's fantasy value is basically non-existent in his 40s.
Source: MLB.com - Greg Johns
Source: MLB.com - Greg Johns