SEATTLE — An optimistic Tony Zych believes that, if he “stays on track,” he could be ready within a week to test his recovery from tendinitis in his rotator cuff by getting on a mound for a bullpen workout.
Zych again resumed played catch prior to Sunday’s game against San Diego at Safeco Field. He hasn’t pitched since May 1, when he struck out the side in his only inning in a loss to Kansas City.
If Zych is able to throw from a mound in a week, a normal progression would roughly position him to return to active duty prior to the end of June.
Zych’s absence robbed the Mariners’ bullpen of its top right-handed power arm. He had 19 strikeouts in 12 innings over his 10 appearances when he went on the disabled list.
Other injury updates:
¦ Shortstop Ketel Marte is scheduled to start a rehab assignment Tuesday at Triple-A Tacoma, when it opens a four-game series against Salt Lake (Angels) at Cheney Stadium.
Marte suffered a sprained left thumb on a slide at second base in a May 21 game at Cincinnati. He is expected to return to active duty when eligible to be activated June 6 from the disabled list.
¦ Center fielder Leonys Martin is expected to accompany the Mariners on their trip this week to San Diego and Texas but, like Marte, he will likely play some minor-league rehab games before he returns to active duty.
Martin suffered a strained left hamstring while stealing second base in a May 25 victory over Oakland. He is eligible to be activated on June 10.
“Because it’s a leg issue and he’s a speed guy,” manager Scott Servias said, “(Martin) probably needs to get down (to the minors) and run at 100 percent. You activate that guy, and something happens in the first game, here you go again.
“That’s what we want to stay away from.”
If Martin aggravates the injury on a rehab assignment, his time on the disabled list could simply be extended. If he is activated, and suffers renewed problems, the 15-day process would begin anew.
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