Ichiro Suzuki goes to disabled list

SEATTLE, April 3 (UPI) -- Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki will start the 2009 season on the 15-day disabled list because of a bleeding ulcer.

The 2001 American League MVP missed Seattle's last three spring training games with complaints of feeling light-headed. An examination by team doctors Thursday revealed that Suzuki had a severe case of fatigue and Friday the Mariners placed him on the disabled list for the first time in his major league career.

They also said the ulcer is no longer bleeding.

"It was a very difficult decision to place Ichiro on the disabled list, especially since we know how important it is to him to help the team," said Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik. "However, we determined it was in both his best interest, and the best interest of the club, to place him on the DL at this time."

Suzuki, a .331 career hitter, has played in at least 157 games in each of his eight major league seasons.