M's tout Rhodes
Mariners pitching coach Bryan Price says Freddy Garcia and Kazu Sasaki are "no-brainers" for the American League All-Star team.
Price and Manager Lou Piniella are also supporting the All-Star candidacy of left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes, who is 4-1 with a 3.75 earned-run-average in 28 appearances.
"I'd take Arthur in two seconds," Price said. "No one in our league looks forward to him coming in the game. It's Arthur's time to be acknowledged as the premier left-handed setup man in the league."
Rhodes wasn't available to pitch last night because of stiffness in his left shoulder....day to day status.
Piniella said he planned to recommend Garcia, Sasaki and Rhodes to AL Manager Joe Torre. Piniella said a recent league directive stated they would not choose starters who pitched on the weekend prior to the All-Star Game (July 9). Garcia is safe, as his last start of the first half is scheduled for July 4.
Guillen hurting
Late in Wednesday's game, Mariners shortstop Carlos Guillen aggravated the hand injury that kept him out of eight games earlier this month. Guillen didn't start last night's game and will be held out again tonight in Houston, with the hope that he'll be ready to play tomorrow against the Astros.
Guillen suffered a strained left ring finger when he was hit by a pitch against Baltimore on May 31. He re-injured it fielding a hard-hit ball in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game.
Nelson progresses
Mariners reliever Jeff Nelson passed his latest test, throwing about 35 pitches in the bullpen without pain. Nelson, who underwent elbow surgery May 10, will pitch a simulated game tomorrow in Houston, then begin a minor-league rehab assignment if all goes well.
"He's never looked like he's not 100 percent healthy during his rehab," Price said.
The Mariners haven't decided how many rehab appearances Nelson will need, but Price said, "If he throws a time or two, we'll get a good idea if he's healthy."
? Mariners third baseman Jeff Cirillo continues to play despite a sore right elbow and shoulder.
Mariners pitching coach Bryan Price says Freddy Garcia and Kazu Sasaki are "no-brainers" for the American League All-Star team.
Price and Manager Lou Piniella are also supporting the All-Star candidacy of left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes, who is 4-1 with a 3.75 earned-run-average in 28 appearances.
"I'd take Arthur in two seconds," Price said. "No one in our league looks forward to him coming in the game. It's Arthur's time to be acknowledged as the premier left-handed setup man in the league."
Rhodes wasn't available to pitch last night because of stiffness in his left shoulder....day to day status.
Piniella said he planned to recommend Garcia, Sasaki and Rhodes to AL Manager Joe Torre. Piniella said a recent league directive stated they would not choose starters who pitched on the weekend prior to the All-Star Game (July 9). Garcia is safe, as his last start of the first half is scheduled for July 4.
Guillen hurting
Late in Wednesday's game, Mariners shortstop Carlos Guillen aggravated the hand injury that kept him out of eight games earlier this month. Guillen didn't start last night's game and will be held out again tonight in Houston, with the hope that he'll be ready to play tomorrow against the Astros.
Guillen suffered a strained left ring finger when he was hit by a pitch against Baltimore on May 31. He re-injured it fielding a hard-hit ball in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game.
Nelson progresses
Mariners reliever Jeff Nelson passed his latest test, throwing about 35 pitches in the bullpen without pain. Nelson, who underwent elbow surgery May 10, will pitch a simulated game tomorrow in Houston, then begin a minor-league rehab assignment if all goes well.
"He's never looked like he's not 100 percent healthy during his rehab," Price said.
The Mariners haven't decided how many rehab appearances Nelson will need, but Price said, "If he throws a time or two, we'll get a good idea if he's healthy."
? Mariners third baseman Jeff Cirillo continues to play despite a sore right elbow and shoulder.
