Morales scratched from lineup with back soreness

By Greg Johns

June 11, 2013

SEATTLE -- First baseman Kendrys Morales was scratched from the Mariners' starting lineup about 90 minutes before Tuesday night's game with the Astros due to lower back soreness.

With Justin Smoak already on the disabled list and Michael Morse limited to designated hitter duties with a strained right quadriceps, Alex Liddi took Morales' spot at first base and hit ninth.

Morales was removed from Saturday's game against the Yankees due to lower back stiffness, but was back in the lineup at designated hitter Sunday and then played first base Monday.

The 29-year-old is leading the Mariners with a .292 batting average and 35 RBIs, and is tied for third on the club with eight home runs in 63 games.

Smoak has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 30 with a strained oblique. He took batting practice for the first time Tuesday, and manager Eric Wedge said Smoak is close to being sent out on a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-Tacoma.

"He's going to take BP again tomorrow," Wedge said. "If that goes well, we'd like to get him out hopefully as soon as Thursday."

Greg Johns is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregJohnsMLB as well as his Mariners Musings blog.