SEATTLE — Cliff Lee, the 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner, will make his Mariners debut tonight against Texas at Safeco Field, his first start since Game 5 of the World Series on Nov. 2, when he beat the Yankees for the Phillies.
“I’m anxious. I can’t speed up the clock,” Lee said. “Friday, it’s just go out there and have fun. Let it all hang out.”
Almost all. Lee, who said he is fully recovered from a strained abdomen that has had him delayed since March 15, will be limited to about 100 pitches.
Lee is 5-3 in eight starts against Texas, but his 7.09 ERA against the Rangers is his highest against an AL opponent.
Lidge set for return
PHILADELPHIA — Phillies closer Brad Lidge will be activated from the disabled list before tonight’s game against the Mets.
Lidge was placed on the disabled list March 26 while recovering from right elbow surgery. He went 0-1 with a 5.19 ERA with four walks and eight strikeouts in eight rehab appearances.
The Phillies optioned left-handed pitcher Antonio Bastardo to their Triple-A affiliate to make room for Lidge on the roster.
Kinsler ready to play
ARLINGTON, Texas — All-star second baseman Ian Kinsler, who has been on the DL since suffering a high right ankle sprain during spring training, will be activated before tonight’s game in Seattle.
“I really don’t think anything is going to hold me back,” said Kinsler, who went 3-for-9 with two runs, three RBIs and a stolen base in his rehab assignment.
Footnotes.
Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez will miss his scheduled start tonight at Atlanta because of back spasms, but could start Saturday.
• Yankees catcher Jorge Posada was out of the lineup because of a swollen right knee.
• Braves starter Jair Jurrjens strained his left hamstring and left after the first inning of a 10-4 loss to St. Louis.
• Reds center fielder Chris Dickerson left Cincinnati’s game against Houston with a sprained right wrist.
• Athletics right-hander Justin Duchscherer left Oakland’s game against the Blue Jays in the fourth inning because of a sore left hip.
• The Royals placed left-hander John Parrish (rotator cuff) on the 15-day DL and recalled reliever Victor Marte from Triple-A Omaha.
• White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin was scratched from the starting lineup before Chicago’s game against the Rangers because of a strained left hamstring.
• Twins first baseman Justin Morneau was kept out of Minnesota’s lineup for the second consecutive day because of a back injury.
