There’s a split-squad double-header on the Seattle Mariners schedule on Thursday, which means the coaching staff and the team gets divided.

Bench coach Ty Van Burkleo will manage one game, and told manager Don Wakamatsu he’d like to take the Cleveland game, leaving Wakamatsu to take on Kansas City.

“After we talked, I realized Felix (Hernandez) is pitching in Cleveland,” Wakamatsu said. “And then (pitching coach) Rick Adair said, ‘Well, I really ought to be there to watch Felix’ – so the whole staff deserted me.”

Wakamatsu will take starting pitcher Jason Vargas and face the Royals.

Other Sunday notes:

• The scramble to find another starting pitcher in camp may include longer looks – and longer outings – from right-hander David Pauley, lefty Luke French and even righty Shawn Kelley.
• That idea of having Chone Figgins at third base and Jose Lopez at second for a few games? Forget it. When coach Mike Brumley approached the two players with the idea, both were content to stay put. Look for the same allignment come opening day.
• Cliff Lee is back in camp getting treatment for a strained abdominal muscle, and the team has no clear idea when he’ll be able to begin playing catch.
• Doug Fister’s right forearm remains swollen and tight, and he’ll have to skip a Wednesday start. When will he pitch? Not until he can throw a bullpen session.
• Matt Tuiasosopo may not get enough playing time this week to give him many at-bats, so today he’ll get plenty – in minor league games on the Seattle complex.
• Jack Hannahan will test his strained groin by taking ground balls Tuesday or Wednesday, and how he feels afterward will determine when he gets in another game.
• Pitcher Garrett Olson (jammed finger) probably won’t pitch again until late next week.
• The Mariners decided not to send any players to Class A games after catcher Rob Johnson – sent down to get at-bats – ‘was almost decapitated’ by a young pitcher last week.