Felix, Iwakuma both to pitch on Friday

The Mariners have a busy schedule the next few days with an added ‘B’ game on Thursday and a split-squad Friday, so that gives more pitchers a chance to get innings as the calendar closes in on the March 22 departure to Japan.

Felix Hernandez will start Friday afternoon against the Brewers in Tucson in his second-to-last start of the spring. That sets him up to likely pitch again  on Wednesday, March 21 against the White Sox in Peoria the day before the team flies to Tokyo, where he’ll start the regulr-season opener on March 28.

Hisashi Iwakuma will start the other game Friday, a night contest against Oakland in Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Hector Noesi is on the mound today when the Mariners travel to Maryvale to face the Brewers, who are throwing Zack Greinke in the 1:05 p.m. game.

Kevin Millwood goes on Wednesday night against the Royals at Peoria, with Jason Vargas throwing in a Minor League game that day. Then young Erasmo Ramirez makes his second start on Thursday night against the Giants in Peoria. Both the Wednesday and Thursday games will be televised by ROOT Sports live at 7:05 p.m.

Here is today’s full lineup vs. the Brewers:

Dustin Ackley 2B
Casper Wells RF
Mike Carp LF
Justin Smoak 1B
Jesus Montero C
Carlos Peguero DH
Kyle Seager 3B
Michael Saunders CF
Munenori Kawasaki SS

Hector Noesi RHP