Ichiro Suzuki's homecoming: Mariners beat A's in Tokyo

Ichiro drew all the cheers. Most everyone else on the Seattle Mariners did all the hitting.

A crowd that came to salute Ichiro Suzuki in his homeland saw Domingo Santana deliver the biggest hit at the Tokyo Dome, a grand slam that sent Seattle over the Oakland A’s, 9-7, Wednesday in the Major League Baseball opener.

Batting ninth and knowing he’d get two plate appearances, Ichiro popped up and worked a walk. The 45-year-old star took his spot in rightfield to begin the bottom of the fourth inning, then was pulled to another huge ovation. He was met with hugs from the Mariners on the diamond.

“The fans in Japan probably aren’t used to the reception I got from my teammates, but it’s not that unusual in the majors,” Ichiro said.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said Ichiro will play in Thursday’s final game of the series. “We certainly want to give him an opportunity to go out and play, but we also want to get some other guys in the game,” Servais said. “I understand everybody wants to see him go all nine innings. We’re trying to do the best thing for the team and Ichiro understands.”

This marked the earliest Opening Day ever — the summer sport actually started on the last day of winter. No doubt, most fans in North America were sound asleep when Oakland’s Mike Fiers threw the first pitch at 5:36 a.m. EDT (6:36 p.m. local).

Tim Beckham also homered as several Seattle newcomers excelled. Khris Davis, who led the majors with 48 home runs last year, Stephen Piscotty and Matt Chapman connected for the A’s.

White Sox, Jimenez close to deal

A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the Chicago White Sox are nearing a six-year, $43 million contract with highly regarded outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez. The contract would include team options for 2025 and 2026 that if exercised would make the agreement worth $77.5 million for eight years. Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on March 13.

Jimenez was a key part of the trade that sent pitcher Jose Quintana to the crosstown Cubs during the 2017 season. Jimenez hit .337 with 22 homers and 75 RBIs at Double-A and Triple-A last season.

Astros, Pressly agree

Righthander Ryan Pressly and the Houston Astros agreed to a three-year, $20.4 million contract, a deal that adds $17.5 million for an additional two seasons. Houston has a $10 million option for 2022 that would become guaranteed if he pitches in 60 or more games in each of the previous two seasons.

Pressley was 2-1 with a 2.54 ERA in 77 games last year for Minnesota and Houston, which acquired him on July 27. He 1-0 with a 0.77 ERA and two saves for the Astros...Rookie Brandon Lowe, who made his big-league debut last August, has agreed to a six-year, $24 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Harper gets first hit as Phillie

Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start. The slugger lined a 97-mph fastball to center on a 2-and-1 pitch from Detroit Tigers righthander Spencer Turnbull in the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game. He jokingly gestured toward the dugout that he wanted to keep the ball.