Ichiro leaving field for front office

SEATTLE — About three hours before first pitch Thursday night, Ichiro Suzuki jogged to join his Mariners teammates in the outfield, ready for another pregame routine of catching fly balls and hitting in the cage.

Except there was no game for Suzuki, 44. He won’t be in the lineup for the rest of the season — and maybe his career.

Suzuki’s career transitioned Thursday when the Mariners announced he is shifting to a front-office role as a special assistant to the chairman. The job will resemble what Suzuki has done every day of his 18 seasons in the majors. He’ll still be in the clubhouse. He’ll still take batting practice.

When the game begins, Suzuki will be required to leave the bench for the clubhouse. He’s a player-coach, except without the player part.

“I knew the day would come when I would have to walk away,” he said through an interpreter. “But the Mariners have given me this opportunity to stay on.”

Manager Scott Servais said Suzuki’s role would develop over time, but he expects him to help with outfield defense, baserunning and hitting.

“I just want it to be kind of organic, see where it fits the best,” Servais said.

Officially, the Mariners released Suzuki to clear a roster spot. But “retirement” was not mentioned. He is not closing the door to future opportunities.

Perhaps the most obvious opportunity is the opening of the 2019 season, when the Mariners will play two games in Japan.

“We don’t suspect this closes the book on Ichiro’s career as a player,” GM Jerry Dipoto said.

“I definitely see myself playing again,” said the 10-time All-Star with 3,089 hits. “It’s hard for me to imagine not playing.”