SEATTLE — Mariners closer Brandon Morrow says he is fully rested, having not pitched since April 23, and that his right arm is healthy.
Seattle said otherwise Saturday, when it placed Morrow on the 15-day disabled list because of biceps tendinitis.
The move is retroactive to April 24, meaning Morrow will be eligible to rejoin the team May 9.
He said Saturday afternoon that he’s ready now, and has been for a week.
“I didn’t want to go on the disabled list. I told them I’m ready to pitch,” said Morrow, who has five saves and a 4.05 ERA. “They argued, they won the argument.”
Manager Don Wakamatsu said the Mariners are being cautious with a pitcher who has experienced arm problems since early in spring training.
“It’s at the point where we will be pro-active with this and allow him seven or eight more days,” Wakamatsu said. “We can control this a little bit more. We feel it’s the best move for Brandon and for the club.”
Morrow threw in the bullpen Saturday, although Wakamatsu said the true test is how his arm feels today. If he’s fine, Morrow will throw in the bullpen every other day until he’s eligible to come off the DL.
Morrow tried to argue that this is the same thing he experienced last year, when he was fine after a few days and didn’t have a problem the rest of the season.
“What they’re doing is for my safety, I understand that,” Morrow said. “But I’m frustrated. I haven’t been out there in a week, I don’t feel it at all. I’m not angry, I’m not injured. I came to the park today ready to pitch, and now I’m on the DL.”
Wakamatsu said David Aardsma, who has three saves and warmed up in the ninth inning Friday night before the Mariners scored the winning run, would fill the closer role, with Shawn Kelley also closing when Aardsma isn’t available.
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