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." Jason Castro Twins Jersey . 11 Ana Ivanovic and American Sloane Stephens, and former world No. Minnesota Twins Shirts . He was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 5th. The 34-year-old Laval, Que. native has played six seasons with the Penguins. https://www.cheaptwins.com/. -- Chris Crawford hit a 3-pointer with 1:36 left to put Memphis ahead to stay, and the 21st-ranked Tigers beat seventh-ranked Louisville 72-66 Saturday, sweeping the season series from the Cardinals. Trevor Hildenberger Jersey . - Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin has cleared league-mandated concussion protocol and has returned to practice as a full participant. Jason Castro Jersey . Sections of the British media reported Friday that Brooklyn Beckham, the son of United great David, was invited to a training session at the club on Thursday.ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders filled their void at left tackle on Wednesday by signing free agent Donald Penn to a two-year contract. Penn fills the opening created when Jared Veldheer left as a free agent for Arizona and left unfilled when Rodger Saffold failed his physical after agreeing to a five-year, $42.5 million deal with Oakland. NFL Network reported that Penns contract is worth $9.6 million with $4.2 million guaranteed. Oakland also announced that safety Usama Young officially signed the two-year deal he agreed to last week to return to the Raiders. Penn, who turns 30 next month, was released earlier this month by Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers signed Anthony Collins to a five-year, $30 million contract to take over at left tackle. Penn struggled in pass protection last season with Tampa Bay, allowing 12 sacks, including nine in the final six games, according to Pro Football Focus. Only one tackle -- Will Beatty of the Giants -- was blamed for more sacks last season. Penn also allowed 28 quarterback hurries and six quarterback hits and ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of total pressures allowed. Penn was more successful as a run blocker -- an area where the Raiders needed improvement this off-season. He has played in 122 career games over his eigght seasons with Tampa Bay, including 108 consecutive starts at left tackle since 2007.dddddddddddd. Penn visited Oakland last week but left without signing a deal. He then met with the Washington Redskins about playing right tackle before finally ending up back with the Raiders. The Raiders have placed a high priority in free agency on upgrading the offensive line, having also reached deals with right tackle Austin Howard and interior lineman Kevin Boothe. They also re-signed Khalif Barnes before he hit the open market. The Raiders had little continuity on the line last season as injuries and poor play forced Oakland to use eight different starting line combinations. Young joined Oakland last season on a one-year deal with expectations of becoming the starting free safety. But a little more than a month after signing Young, the Raiders signed Charles Woodson to a one-year deal to fill that spot. Young moved into a backup role and played well when he got his chance on defence and special teams. He started once in his 12 games before being placed on injured reserve with a neck injury in December. The 29-year-old Young had one interception, three passes defenced and 2 1/2 sacks last season with the Raiders, playing about one-quarter of the defensive snaps when healthy. ' ' '