Mariners notebook: Jesus Sucre expected to miss at least 6 weeks

The Mariners’ offices are closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day, so it is not looking likely that we will get an update on catcher Jesus Sucre, who suffered a leg injury in a playoff game in Venezuela Sunday. The preliminary diagnosis was a fractured fibula with further imaging scheduled to be done Monday.

This is obviously tough news for Sucre, who has been putting up nice numbers in winter ball. He hit .350 in 14 regular-season games and .345 in 10 postseason games with the Navegantes de Magallanes, who are in the semi-finals of the Venezuelan League.

With the additions of Chris Iannetta and Steve Clevenger, Sucre figured to be No. 3 or 4 on the Mariners’ depth chart at catcher, depending on Mike Zunino’s progress at the plate. He is expected to miss at least six weeks with the injury. We should have a more definitive timetable for return in the next couple of days.

Roster addition

Although it has yet to be confirmed by the Mariners, all indications are that big-league veteran and Federal Way native Travis Ishikawa will be joining the team on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Ishikawa spent last season with the Giants and Pirates, hitting .206/.306/.607 in a season that was shortened due to back issues. He is a lifetime .255/.321/.712 hitter. Primarily a first baseman – and a good one defensively, at that – he brings some versatility in that he has played a handful of games in the outfield and has decent numbers as a pinch-hitter.

Ishikawa is not an easy fit on the roster, however, as he is left-handed and the Mariners are looking for a right-handed hitter to match with Adam Lind in a platoon at first. For now, Ishikawa looks like good Triple-A depth.

Scouting awards

Special assistant to the general manager Ken Madeja, currently in his 28th season with the Mariners, was honored at the 13th annual Pro Baseball Scouts Foundation dinner Saturday with the Legends in Scouting Award. A full contingent of Mariners front-office members, including general manager Jerry Dipoto, were on hand to see the honor for Madeja, who signed (among others) J.J. Putz, Derek Lowe, Matt Thornton and John Smoltz. The story of Madeja’s first look at Smoltz is a good one if you are interested.

The ceremony was a good night for a good cause. The PBSF raises money to support professional scouts in need due to any number of reasons, including job loss, illness and retirement. More on the PBSF can be found here.

Hot Stove lineup

We have another “Hot Stove” show coming your way Tuesday night from 7-9 on 710 ESPN Seattle. Guests will include Lind, new first-base coach Casey Candaele and Astros beat writer Brian McTaggart.