PEORIA, Ariz. -- Jarrod Dyson relies on his wheels as one of Major League Baseball's premier speedsters, so the Mariners are giving him time to rest up before beginning the final push for the regular season next week.
Dyson has played just once in the past six days as manager Scott Servais said the 32-year-old is recovering from some soreness in his legs.
"He just wants to make sure he feels good and ready to go," Servais said. "He was ahead of pace to have the most at-bats he's ever had in a Spring Training. We just want to make sure he's 100 percent before we run him out there.
"He'll be fine by next week, but we're going to play it slow here and get him back out there most likely Sunday or Monday. He's just dragging a little bit. He's not a big guy. The way he plays, it's a speed game and quick twitch, so we have to make sure he's right."
Dyson has hit .333 with three doubles, a triple, five stolen bases and 10 runs in 39 at-bats this spring and has performed well enough against left-handed pitchers that Servais is leaning toward using him in more than a platoon role in left field.
"He's hung in fine," Servais said of facing southpaws. "The one thing I told him, don't try to change your approach too much in terms of trying to hit the ball the other way. Just do what you do and make contact. With his legs, he puts the ball in good spots, he's going to end up with some hits and get on base. I've been fine with him against lefties."
Rotation lining up
Servais confirmed that Hisashi Iwakuma is setting up as the No. 2 starter behind Felix Hernandez to open the season in Houston. Hernandez will make his 10th Opening Day start on April 3, with Iwakuma to follow.
"That's what we're thinking," Servais said. "It's not definitely determined yet. But some guys have a better track record against certain teams than others. So right now, we'll probably have Kuma on Day 2.''
If the Mariners stay in their current alignment in spring games, James Paxton would pitch the third game and Drew Smyly would close out the Astros series, with Yovani Gallardo to open a three-game set in Anaheim on April 7. If that holds, Paxton would pitch in the home opener against the Astros on April 10 at Safeco Field.
Worth noting
• Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz were both kept out of the lineup Friday as they dealt with a head cold that has also affected Paxton, who is scheduled to make a Minor League start on Saturday after having his Friday outing scratched.
• With his third-inning double against the Royals, Mitch Haniger extended his spring hitting streak to seven games and the rookie right fielder is batting .407 in 59 Cactus League at-bats.
• Hernandez's final spring game is now set as he'll face the D-backs on Tuesday in Peoria. He'll only throw 2-3 innings, however, as all of Seattle's starters will scale back in their final tune-ups before opening the regular season.