Mariners' Ji-Man Choi suffers fractured fibula in spring opener

Seattle Mariners first baseman Ji-Man Choi was carted off the field and diagnosed with a fractured right fibula after attempting to make a play on a wild throw during Wednesday's spring opener against the San Diego Padres.

Choi suffered the injury in the ninth inning of the Mariners' 4-3 win when he landed awkwardly trying to corral a wayward throw by shortstop Tyler Smith. 

The 23-year-old was expected to open the season at Triple-A Tacoma, where he hit .283/.381/.392 with five homers over 70 games in 2014.