KYODO NEWS - Mar 29, 2018 - 12:41 | Sports, All

Ichiro Suzuki will be in the lineup for the Mariners on opening night for the first time in six years, Seattle manager Scott Servais confirmed as he announced the final 25-man roster on Wednesday.

Despite a lingering calf injury, Servais confirmed that Suzuki will start in left field and bat ninth, while the 44-year-old veteran told reporters he heard the news during practice the same day and his shock quickly turned to excitement.

"He has been really patient with me and in the end this is what he decides," Suzuki said of Servais ahead of Thursday's home opener against the Cleveland Indians at Safeco Field.

"This is not how an injured player would normally be treated. It's not too often that someone makes you this emotional," he said.

Suzuki's status for opening day remained uncertain after he took a pitch to the helmet in Friday's minor league game and had a day off the following day, though Servais said he had passed concussion tests.

Suzuki said Servais reminded him of his late mentor and former Orix BlueWave manager Akira Ogi, who taught him as a 20-year-old that expectations can be exceeded when an athlete sets their mind to playing for someone who believes in them.

"I was surprised with this decision. It's such an unexpected gift," Suzuki said.

Suzuki, who will be entering his 18th season in the majors after nine seasons with Orix in Japan, said he has also learned not to take things for granted -- like the comfort of returning to a place he calls home.

"The commute to the ballpark felt wonderful today. I didn't realize traveling from your own home (to the ballpark) feels this good," said Suzuki, who left Seattle after 11 seasons with the Mariners to play for the New York Yankees (2012-2014) and then the Miami Marlins (2015-2017).

"I love the everyday moments. They're the best," he added.

Suzuki is a 10-time All-Star with 3,080 career hits, 22nd on the all-time list.