PEORIA, Ariz. — It was the baritone voice of the public address announcer at Peoria Stadium that notified everyone of the unexpected change to start the bottom of the first inning.
“Now pinch hitting for the Mariners in place of Ichiro … Number, 57, John Andreoli,” the voice boomed over the speakers.
Wait, a pinch hitter for Ichiro in the first at-bat of the game?
Did something happen from the time Ichiro stood in left field, watching starter James Paxton strike out the side in the top of the first to when he ran in from his position to the dugoout at the end of the inning?