Pitching set for first four Cactus League games

The Mariners have set their pitching rotations for the first four games of Cactus League play, but Felix Hernandez won’t be among the initial starters.

Hernandez, who’s being lined up to pitch on Opening Day in Tokyo against the A’s on March 28, will throw in a simulated game Thursday at the Mariners practice facility and then have a side session on Saturday.

Blake Beavan will make the first Cactus League start on Friday against Oakland in Phoenix, with Hector Noesi starting against the A’s on Saturday in Peoria.

Jason Vargas will be first up on the hill Sunday in the annual charity game against the Padres in Peoria, with Hisashi Iwakuma making his Cactus League debut on Monday against San Diego in what is officially a “road game” at Peoria Stadium.

All those games start at 1:05 p.m. MT, 12:05 p.m. PT.