SEATTLE — All that stood between Shawn Kelley and the beginning of a minor league rehab assignment that would bring him back to the Mariners’ bullpen in early June was a 30-pitch simulated game Sunday morning at Safeco Field.
That plan now is on hold.
Scheduled for two 15-pitch innings, Kelley said his right arm was a little stiff when he warmed up on a cold morning, but he tried to pitch through it. He began the simulated game and threw 15 pitches, then motioned for manager Eric Wedge and head trainer Rick Griffin.
Kelley’s right side also felt tight and, while the Mariners weren’t worried, they stopped the simulated game at that point. He threw about a half-dozen more pitches — without a hitter in the box — and went to the training room.
“I was worried that it might be an oblique, but the fact that he was able to throw a little bit after that and didn’t feel it at all, that was a good sign,” Wedge said.
Kelley had surgery on his right elbow last August and, until Sunday, his recovery has progressed without a problem.
“It’s normal to have something at some point in time,” Wedge said. “I don’t think today was anything, but let’s not take any chances.”
Wedge said Kelley would travel this week with the team to Baltimore, play catch and, if he feels OK, pitch a simulated game there.
Aardsma still waiting MRI results
The Mariners said they still didn’t have a verdict on what the MRI on Friday to closer David Aardsma’s right arm showed. Aardsma experienced tightness in his forearm after the second of his five rehab outings with Class AAA Tacoma.
“We’re evaluating the MRI,” Wedge said. “I don’t want to talk until we look at everything. We’ve got multiple people looking at it.”
Proud in pink
Along with the pink bats and sweat bands many of the players used on Mother’s Day, Mariners backup outfielder Ryan Langerhans took his attire a step further. He wore pink spikes.
The look didn’t get universal approval in the clubhouse, although both Felix Hernandez and Ichiro Suzuki gave the spikes a big thumbs-up.
Wedge’s opinion? He wouldn’t have hesitated to use pink bats when he was a player if they were available then.
“I know most people don’t see that in me, but it is in there,” he said. “But I sure as hell wouldn’t wear the pink shoes. You’ve got to draw the line somewhere.”
Langerhans said he may have teammates autograph his spikes and donate them to the Susan G. Komen foundation to aid the fight against breast cancer.
Of note
Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez has developed flu symptoms and won’t play with Class AAA Tacoma until the Rainiers’ trip this week to Oklahoma City and New Orleans. … Third baseman Chone Figgins, who hit a foul ball off the inside of his right knee early in Saturday night’s game, was scratched from the lineup Sunday. … Sunday’s announced crowd of 26,074 gave the Mariners a weekend attendance of 84,274. It was their best weekend total since 97,156 on opening weekend. … Former Jackson High School star Brent Lillibridge made his first start as a major leaguer at Safeco Field, playing right field for the White Sox. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a fielder’s choice grounder.
Kirby Arnold, Herald writer
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
