It’s a huge weekend at T-Mobile Park, both on and off the field. The Mariners are celebrating Ichiro’s induction to the Hall of Fame, and his induction to the Mariners Hall of Fame, in a weekend of festivities including his number retirement ceremony and the conclusion of a week of Ichiro-themed giveaways. If you’re coming to the park, come early and pack your patience, because things promise to be pretty crowded.

On the baseball side of things, this weekend is also steeped in importance for the Seattle Mariners baseball club. Following their sweep of the White Sox, the Mariners were able to draw ever-nearer to the Astros in the AL West, while putting some distance between themselves and the other Wild Card teams that had been hot on their heels. The Yankees and Astros play each other this weekend, meaning if the Mariners can win they can either gain ground in the AL West or in the Wild Card race; their destiny is in their hands.

But the Mariners can’t expect to roll over the Rays in the same way they did the White Sox. Make sure to check out (other) Jake’s series preview, but the Mariners will be facing the Rays’ staff ace Drew Rassmussen tonight. The OSU alum is from right down the road in Puyallup and always has a significant cheering section at Mariners games.

For some reason the Rays don’t like to put up their lineup graphics so you get this mess instead.

Josh Naylor is out of the lineup tonight after injuring his shoulder in yesterday’s game, but manager Dan Wilson indicated pregame that he doesn’t think it’s too serious, saying Naylor could be available to pinch-hit tonight.

Some Rays news: OF Jonny DeLuca has been placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain; OF Tristan Peters has been selected to the major league roster in his place. If Peters makes it into a game, he’ll make his big-league debut in Seattle this weekend He’s a hit-over-power control-the-zone type who’s never made any top prospect lists but has been a consistent producer in Tampa Bay’s system.

TV: ROOT Sports NW, with Aaron Goldsmith, Angie Mentink, and Jay Buhner

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.

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