Ackley, Ryan to sit out first few spring games

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Second baseman Dustin Ackley and shortstop Brendan Ryan, both coming back from arthroscopic surgeries to remove bone spurs over the offseason, will be held out of the Mariners' first three Cactus League games this weekend.

"We're just going to give them a little more time," said manager Eric Wedge. "They're practicing well and doing a nice job, but I think it's important just to give them a little more time."

Ryan had bone spurs removed from his throwing elbow and Ackley had the same done to his left ankle the day after last season ended. Both have fully participated in the early work at camp.

But holding them back initially means newly acquired Robert Andino figures to get plenty of time right from the start, as he's the primary backup at both middle-infield positions.

"Everybody is going to get a lot of work," Wedge said. "But I've been very impressed with Robert on both sides of the ball. I've been impressed with how he's moved around in the infield.

"He has a live bat, obviously he's had some experience and some success. Fundamentally he seems sound. We're working through these drills, and he knows what he needs to do and where he needs to be. All those things have stuck out to me."