Ichiro to serve as Mariners' bench coach for next 2 games

For the first time in his illustrious baseball career, Ichiro Suzuki will serve as bench coach when the Seattle Mariners play two road games against the Detroit Tigers on Friday and Saturday.

The esteemed Ichiro, who, just last week, transitioned to the role of special assistant to the chairman, will temporarily fill bench coaching duties as manager Scott Servais attends his daughter's graduation. Manny Acta, the team's regular bench coach, will serve in Servais' place.

"I was only able to watch (the games) on TV. The view is different from the dugout," Ichiro told Kyodo News. "I have no idea (what I'll be doing). I might make out the lineup card, but other than that, I don't know."

Although the 44-year-old won't appear in another game for the Mariners this season, general manager Jerry Dipoto all but confirmed that Ichiro will suit up in early 2019 when the team opens the regular season in Tokyo, Japan in a two-game series against the Oakland Athletics.