Kikuchi encouraged ahead of spring debut

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Yusei Kikuchi likes to throw. So never mind the wet, damp weather that continued hanging over the Mariners’ early Spring Training on Friday, the club’s new Japanese free agent powered through a simulated two innings against Mariners hitters Dee Gordon, Ryon Healy and Kristopher Negron in his final tuneup before Cactus League play.

The 27-year-old is expected to face the Reds on Monday at 12:10 p.m. PT at Peoria Stadium in his much-anticipated spring debut.

Kikuchi hadn’t felt particularly sharp in his first live batting-practice session earlier in the week, so the Mariners gave him another practice run Friday and the progress was noticeable.

“Today I felt I was throwing all my pitches really well,” Kikuchi said through interpreter Justin Novak. “The next step is getting into the game and seeing how those pitches work.”

Kikuchi is used to throwing more in Japan than is typical for Major Leaguers in Spring Training, but he’s been given free rein in recent days and has thrown more on his own to get himself prepared.

“My pitching coach is telling me, ‘Hey, whatever you need to do to get yourself ready.’ So I’m put into a really good situation and I like what I’m doing right now.”

Kikuchi was the Mariners’ prime free-agent signing over the offseason, but understand he’s going through considerable adjustments in learning the new team, new culture and even the different baseball used in the United States.

The grip on the ball was less of an issue Friday, Kikuchi said, in part because of the wet weather.

“The rain helped me with the baseball,” he said. “Arizona is really dry, so a little humidity helped and I felt really good today.”

Sheffield to debut Sunday

New top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield, who was acquired from the Yankees in the James Paxton deal, saw his Cactus League debut delayed when Thursday’s game against the A’s was halted after an inning and a half.

Sheffield was expected to throw after starter Marco Gonzales in that game before Mother Nature stepped in. The 22-year-old threw a bullpen session Friday and is now slated to pitch Sunday against the Rockies at Salt River Fields in a game that veteran Wade LeBlanc will start.

Sheffield has a minor blister issue on his throwing hand, but otherwise has been impressive in the early going.

“He’s handled himself really well,” manager Scott Servais said. “He has a lot of confidence for a young guy. He knows he belongs. The live BP he threw the other day wasn’t maybe as sharp, but often times the first time a hitter gets in there, the command isn’t quite there.

“He certainly has real weapons to go after big league hitters and get them out. It’s just a matter of being consistent with his release point and command and all those things. I’m looking forward to seeing him pitch.”

Lewis’ finger only a minor setback

Rookie outfielder Kyle Lewis had his dislocated right pinkie finger wrapped in tape Friday, but the 23-year-old hit off a tee in the batting cage and said all is good after jamming his hand in a baserunning drill Wednesday.

“It feels good. Everything is good. It was just a little hiccup and I’ll get right back to it,” Lewis said.

Lewis said it was the first time he’s dislocated a finger sliding into a bag.

“It was just a freak thing,” he said. “Usually you just slide in and everything is fine, but it’s all good. It’s just part of the game.”

Up next

The Mariners will be back at Peoria Stadium on Saturday at 12:10 p.m. PT to face the Padres in the annual Spring Training charity game. Veteran right-hander Felix Hernandez gets the start for Seattle against San Diego right-hander Bryan Mitchell. Hernandez will pitch two innings and be followed by Roenis Elias, Tommy Milone, Hunter Strickland, Cory Gearrin and Rule 5 pickup Brandon Brennan.