SEATTLE — Right-handed reliever Carson Smith didn’t expect to be with the Seattle Mariners for their brisk Sunday workout at Safeco Field. It was only one week earlier that he was optioned to Tacoma.
Club officials reversed field last Friday by recalling Smith to replace a struggling Dominic Leone in their bullpen. Leone will now — barring further surprises — open the season with the Rainiers.
“It was a little bit of a shock,” Smith admitted. “The last time I got called up (was last September). I wasn’t anticipating it, but I knew there were callups coming.
“This was the first time I got that crazy phone call in the middle of the day after I was done with a full day’s workout in the minor leagues.”
Smith enters the season with a streak of nine scoreless appearances to open his career. He allowed just two hits in 82⁄3 innings last September after that callup. He also struck out 10 and walked three.
Opening Day events
The gates at Safeco Field open at 10:40 a.m. Monday for the 1:10 p.m. game, and the Mariners are advising fans to leave extra time in coming to the park.
Not only is the game a sellout, but fans are reminded that enhanced screening procedures are in place, including walk-through metal detectors. All bags, including purses, are subject to inspection.
Broadcasters Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith will be joined by the Mariner Moose in conducting a countdown at the Home Plate Gate. All fans will get a magnetic schedule, courtesy of Safeco Insurance.
Pre-game activities include:
■ Jake Catterall, a 12-year-old from Tacoma, will make the ceremonial first run around the bases as part of the Make-A-Wish program. Jake is living with intractable epilepsy, a life-threatening medical condition.
■ The national anthem will be sung by Generald Wilson, a retired Navy petty officer first class.
■ The colors will be presented by I Corps Command from Joint Base Lewis McChord.
■ The Mariners will honor and remember Suzanne Stork, wife of Mariners owner Carl Stork, long-time scout Bill Kearns and pitching prospect Victor Sanchez with a moment of silence.
■ Third baseman Kyle Seager will receive his Gold Glove for defensive excellence from Rawlings Sporting Goods.
■ Former Mariners second baseman Joey Cora will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
■ With Felix Hernandez on the mound, the King’s Court will be in session. Fans seated in sections 148-150 will receive King’s Court T-shirts and K-Cloths.
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