Young throws, awaits decision on next start

OAKLAND -- Manager Lloyd McClendon and pitching coach Rick Waits watched a pregame bullpen session by veteran pitcher Chris Young on Wednesday morning at O.co Coliseum, and they will now make a decision whether Young makes his next start Saturday in Texas.

McClendon has expressed concern whether Young is fully healthy after he lasted just two-thirds of an inning in his last start while giving up five runs to the A's in a 6-1 loss on Monday. The veteran has allowed 11 hits and eight runs with seven walks and two strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings over his last two starts, and he was given three extra days of rest before his last outing as the club looks to keep him fresh after he missed almost all of 2013 with right shoulder issues.

Young is 12-7 with a 3.46 ERA in 27 games this season and has been a big part of the Mariners' success, but top prospect Taijuan Walker is lined up to pitch Saturday if needed, after he threw six innings of one-run relief following Young's departure Monday.

McClendon said he'll sit down with general manager Jack Zduriencik on Wednesday and have a decision by Thursday.

"He had a good bullpen. He threw the ball good," McClendon said. "I just want to make sure he's healthy. That's the only factor that really comes into play."

As for how much he could see in the throwing session?

"I think we can get a lot from it," McClendon said. "We'll see. I'll talk to Jack, and we'll go from there."