"Ichiro Suzuki got his first "day off" of the season on Thursday. But he was still batting leadoff in the Mariners' lineup.

As has been the case in season's past, Ichiro's idea of an off day is to be the designated hitter.

"He wants to play every day," Wakamatsu said. "But we talked the last couple of weeks when we could do it. And it just got to a point where we felt we should do it right now to rest his legs."

Wakamatsu has been able to pull Ichiro out of some blowout games in the later innings to get him a little rest.

Would Ichiro ever come to Wakamatsu and tell him he needed a rest?

"Not a chance," Wakamatsu said, laughing. "I ask him constantly to let me know, but he'll never do it."

Ryan Langerhans started in right field, batting second.

Langerhans last started June 4. It was his first start since May 13.

To combat the lack of playing time, he intensified his workouts with performance coach Allen Wirtala and made sure to participate in extra drills and batting practice.

"You have to find your own program of what you like to do to stay sharp," Langerhans said.

Wakamatsu told Langerhans after Wednesday night's game he would be starting, so Langerhans skipped the pregame ritual of sprints and lifting he would do if he were on the bench."