Mariners Host Pirates in Interleague Series

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners tonight open a series at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma (6-6) makes his first career start against the Pirates. The Pirates will counter with Jonathon Niese.

Seattle comes into the series off a Sunday loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. James Paxton had command issues, needing 26 pitches just to get through the first inning on Sunday. The Cardinals homered six times and 13 of their 17 hits went for extra bases against Mariners pitchers.

Walker throws bullpen session

SEATTLE (AP) — Right-hander Taijuan Walker could start Thursday as the Mariners host Baltimore as Walker comes back from tendinitis in his right foot.

Walker threw a bullpen session on Sunday and manager Scott Servais says he expects everything to be "good going forward." The Mariners never put Walker onto the disabled list but did push back his last scheduled start last Friday.

Wade Miley also threw a bullpen session and will come off the disabled list on Wednesday to face Pittsburgh.