PHOENIX (AP) — Manny Ramirez had a quiet debut for Oakland and Jesus Montero had a painful start for Seattle on Friday as the Mariners beat the Athletics 8-5 in an exhibition opener.
Ramirez saw only three pitches in two at-bats in his first game in nearly a year, grounding into a double play and bouncing out. The 39-year-old slugger must miss the first 50 games of the season for violating MLB’s substance abuse policy.
Montero, the touted 22-year-old acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees for Michael Pineda, hit one of Seattle’s five home runs. But Montero left in the fifth inning after being hit by a foul. Manager Eric Wedge said Montero would be fine.
The A’s and Mariners play the major league opener on March 28 in Tokyo.
