Bloomquist likely to need full DL stint for knee bruise

SEATTLE -- An MRI test on utility infielder Willie Bloomquist's right knee showed a deep bone bruise, and the Mariners' veteran likely will need most of the full 15 days on the disabled list to recover, manager Lloyd McClendon said Friday.

Bloomquist went on the DL Thursday after injuring the knee while stretching to reach first base on a close play in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Mets.

The 36-year-old was hoping to avoid a DL stint, but McClendon said it would be impossible for the Mariners to be without a backup infielder for any significant period of time. Rookie shortstop Chris Taylor, the club's No. 8-ranked prospect, was called up on Thursday, and he'll split time with Brad Miller at that position, while both are capable of also playing second or third base if needed.

McClendon had Miller back at shortstop on Friday against right-handed Orioles starter Kevin Gausman after Taylor made his Major League debut on Thursday against southpaw Wei-Yin Chen. But the manager said he won't use the two strictly as a right-left platoon.

"I'll look at matchups and see who fits the best that particular day and put them in there," he said.

Bloomquist is the second Mariners position player currently on the 15-day disabled list, joining right fielder Michael Saunders, who has been sidelined since July 10 with a strained left oblique muscle.

Saunders has begun doing some light throwing and swinging in the cage, and McClendon said he'll accompany the team on its upcoming road trip to Cleveland and Baltimore next week so he can take batting practice with the club in preparation for going out on a Minor League rehab assignment.