PEORIA, Ariz. -- Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon said Saturday it would be "hard pressed" for either Hisashi Iwakuma or Taijuan Walker to be in the Mariners rotation on opening day because of their injury setbacks during spring training. McClendon said the injuries to Iwakuma (finger) and Walker (shoulder) will open up chances for others in camp, but also leave a rotation that had questions entering spring training even more uncertain. "I always plan for the worst and our contingency plan has been that," McClendon said. "So like I said before this gives other guys opportunities to go out and see what they can do. Well see what happens." Iwakuma will have his right middle finger in a splint for another three weeks before throwing, while Walker is being shut down for a week because of inflammation in his right shoulder. By the time the duo make up for missed time on the mound it will be early- to mid-April before either is expected in a game. While Seattle is understandably cautious with the sore shoulder of the 21-year-old Walker because of his age, the finger injury has become frustrating for Iwakuma. When he went to see Dr. Don Sheridan on Friday, Iwakuma had the expectation that he could start throwing on Saturday. Instead, he was told to avoid throwing for three more weeks. The earliest Iwakuma is expected to pick up a ball is March 21. By the time he gets caught up on bullpen sessions and simulated games to get the needed innings to be ready for the season, itll likely be mid-April before he could join the Mariners rotation. "I was honestly disappointed and frustrated too at the same time, but you have to respect what the doctor says," Iwakuma said through an interpreter Saturday morning. "I was ready to play catch today so it is what it is and I have to wait three more weeks." Iwakuma went 14-6 with a 2.66 ERA in 33 starts last season and was a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award. Iwakuma reported for spring training wearing the splint and said his finger got caught as he tried to retrieve a ball in some netting while working out in Southern California on Jan. 20. McClendon also confirmed -- not surprisingly -- that Felix Hernandez is expected to be Seattles opening day starter when the Mariners open the season on March 31 against the Angels. "Unless youve got somebody else," McClendon joked. "Ill try and see if he can go opening day, the second day and the third day." Marcus Walden Red Sox Jersey . -- The guys in green raced off the court and into the locker room where they danced and sang, compared whose shot was most likely to end up featured on "One Shining Moment," and checked Twitter to see who was giving them a shoutout. Bill Buckner Jersey . -- Max Gilbert captured his first pro victory at the Tour Championship of Canada. https://www.cheapredsox.com/111z-rick-po...ey-red-sox.html. Bryant, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with Cleveland in March, reported symptoms on Monday morning, a team spokesman said. Heath Hembree Red Sox Jersey . Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Raptors have traded forward Steve Novak along with a second-round pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for guard Diante Garrett - who will then be waived. Rich Gedman Jersey .Y. - Carey Price had an early feeling that one goal might be enough to settle the latest matchup between his Montreal Canadiens and longtime Original Six foe, the New York Rangers.SEATTLE - The Seattle Seahawks had a 24-3 lead over winless Oakland at halftime. The injury-ravaged defending Super Bowl champions ended up barely holding on.This week, came out, played three quarters and then the fourth quarter we took our foot off the pedal or whatnot, Seattle defensive end Cliff Avril said. We just have to be consistent and be able to put a full game together.Seattle escaped with a 30-24 victory Sunday, leaning heavily on Marshawn Lynch and a stingy defence that gave rookie quarterback Derek Carr headaches. Russell Wilson struggled through one of his worst passing games, going 17 of 35 for 179 yards.The Seahawks (5-3) wont look back on this victory with any reverence, other than the ability to grind out their second straight win.Lynch had two first-half touchdown runs and his day would have been much bigger if not for penalties calling back some significant gains. Lynch finished with 143 total yards rushing and receiving and had 26 touches.Its a team game. We played as a team, Lynch said.Oakland (0-8) lost its 14th straight game dating to last season. The Raiders have been competitive, but continue to make critical mistakes they cant overcome. This time it was three first-half turnovers, including Carrs two interceptions.Im just trying to do too much, Carr said. I just needed to settle down. I came in at the half and said Man, I just need to play football. Im here for a reason and I just need to settle down and do my job.Here are other things learned from Seattles victory:IRVINS IMPACT: The past two weeks has shown the potential of Bruce Irvin and why the Seahawks can often live with some of his mistakes.Last week against Carolina, Irvin had two key sacks on Carolinas final possession that displayed his pure pass rush ability. Sunday his pure athleticism was on display. Irvins interception showed everything Carroll has admired about Irvin since he was recruiting him at Southern California. Irvin dropped into coverage and jumped to deflect Carrs pass into the air. He came down and located the ball, grabbing the interception, then used his speed to beat Carr to the pylon for the first touchdown of his career.Tried to be opportunistic and try to make a play when I can.dddddddddddd. I was just fortunate enough that it bounced straight up and came back down, Irvin said.THIRD PHASE: Oakland was able to get back in it in the second half because of its special teams. Denico Autry blocked Jon Ryans punt on the first possession and Brice Butler recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. It was the first blocked punt for a touchdown against Seattle since 2003 and the second for Oakland in the past two seasons.T.J. Carrie made up for a first-half kickoff return fumble with a 27-yard punt return to set up Carrs first touchdown toss to Rivera late in the third quarter.We needed something to be able to turn the tide a little bit, coach Tony Sparano said.LINE DANCE: Seattles injuries continued to pile up and led to more shuffling especially on the offensive line. Patrick Lewis started at centre because of injuries to Max Unger and Stephen Schilling. Russell Okung was inactive, leaving Alvin Bailey to make his first start at left tackle. Left guard James Carpenter went down in the second half with an ankle injury and was replaced by Garry Gilliam — a tackle. The shuffling up front certainly didnt help Seattles struggling pass game although Carroll didnt want to use that as an excuse for Wilson.He wasnt concerned about that going in and didnt feel it during the game either, Carroll said.SHERMS TURN: Seattles Richard Sherman was patiently waiting for a ball to come his direction that he could make a play on and finally get his first interception of the season.Carr was willing to oblige, attempting a back-shoulder throw for Andre Holmes. Sherman had better position and was able to pull the ball in with his left hand. It was his first interception since Week 16 of last season and was welcomed after going through games earlier this season where he wasnt even thrown at.Just waiting. There hasnt been a year yet I havent got one, Sherman said. I knew eventually; if youre out there long enough and youre in position and youre playing the game the way you are supposed to, the football Gods will get what you need.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '