Griffey drives into retirement; Fister stalled by shoulder issue

While Ken Griffey Jr. cruises into retirement by driving back home to Florida, the Mariners are a team that continues to deal with health issues.

The most noteworthy of the moment is right-handed pitcher Doug Fister, who won’t start Saturday’s game as planned because of what manager Don Wakamatsu calls “shoulder fatigue.” Left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith, who lost his place in the rotation last month, will start today.

Wakamatsu is hoping Fister will miss only one start. He said Fister’s velocity has waned, going back to his outing May 14 at Tampa when he labored to get through five innings in what was his last victory. Since then, he has pitched eight innings against the Blue Jays, seven against the Tigers and 7 2/3 against the Twins on Monday.

Rowland-Smith hasn’t started since May 17, and Wakamatu said he’d probably be limited to 75-90 pitches on Saturday.

In other health-related news:

Mike Sweeney continues to suffer from a bad back, and Matt Tuiasosopo is playing first base tonight.

Catcher Adam Moore (left knee) caught Jason Vargas’ bullpen session today and will report to the Mariners’ training facility in Peoria, Ariz., to play some simulated games.

Shortstop Jack Wilson will start a rehab assignment Sunday with the Class AAA Tacoma Rainiers.

Erik Bedard threw in the bullpen this afternoon and, if his left shoulder responds well, will throw another bullpen in three days.

On the Griffey front, an Associated Press report today said the newly retired Mariner is clearing his mind by driving home to Florida. Ken Griffey Sr. told the AP that his son “felt liberated” and “sounds very happy.” In the story, Griffey Sr. said his son’s pride was hurt after the Mariners benched him, and that Junior “was just not going to sit there.”

Tonight’s lineups:

ANGELS

Maicer Izturis, third base

Howie Kendrick, second base

Bobby Abreu, DH

Torii Hunter, center field

Hideki Matsui, left field

Mike Napoli, catcher

Juan Rivera, right field

Michael Ryan, first base

Erick Aybar, shortstop

Left-hander Joe Saunders, starting pitcher