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Indians, Mariners go with backup aces

SEATTLE -- Call this Opening Day II.

At least, it feels that way for the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners, after having a day off following Thursday's opener of the season-opening, three-game series.

And the pitching matchup Saturday afternoon at Safeco Field is nearly worthy of an opening day, with Cleveland right-hander Carlos Carrasco going up against Mariners left-hander James Paxton.

The case could be made those pitchers are No. 1A starters instead of No. 2s.

Carrasco went 18-6 with a 3.29 ERA last season when he tied for the American League lead in victories and finished fourth in the Cy Young voting.