By Shannon Drayer

At first look there weren't any surprises with Eric Wedge's lineup for today's game against the Rays. He told us last night Chone Figgins would be in left because of the success (7x14) he has had against Tampa starter Jeff Niemann. He also indicated that Brendan Ryan who is mired in a horrific 0x26 slump would be given a day off. Day game after a night game plus back to back starts behind the plate by Jesus Montero indicated that John Jaso would start. No surprises here.

There was a surprise however when you looked at the lineup on the card and saw something missing. (R) is nowhere to be found. The Mariners are rolling out an entirely left-handed (2 switch-hitters) lineup. How rare is that for the team?

The last all left lineup by the Mariners that we (thank you Mariners media relations) can find was the lineup that faced the California Angels on August 13, 1983, courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com .

Tony Bernazard 2B
Spike Owen SS
Ron Roenicke LF
Pat Putnam 1B
Al Chambers DH
Ricky Nelson RF
Manny Castillo 3B
Rick Sweet C
John Moses CF

Dave Henderson made a pinch hitting appearance as did Jamie Nelson who was John Jaso's catching instructor in the minor leagues. The Mariners dropped the game 10-5 to the Angels. Let's hope the current version of the lefty Mariners does better. One thing in their favor, lefties are hitting .306 against Niemann. Go get 'em.