In roster limbo, Morse not in lineup

HOUSTON -- Mariners outfielder Michael Morse, who has been claimed off waivers by the Orioles, was not in the lineup for a second straight game as Seattle opened a four-game series with the Astros on Thursday.

The Mariners need to move an outfielder before Friday night's game against the Astros in order to add Taijuan Walker to the 25-man roster, and are currently carrying an extra outfielder, so Morse could be part of the solution.

With Morse being claimed by the Orioles, the Mariners could just let him go to Baltimore and save his remaining month's salary, work out a trade to bring some compensation in return or just pull him back off waivers, as they've done with Kendrys Morales after he was claimed earlier in the week.

Morales, who has hit just .152 over the last 12 games, was also given Thursday off. Manager Eric Wedge said his situation was just a one-day rest, but Wedge was more vague when talking about Morse.

"Morales, we feel like he needed a day," Wedge said. "Coming off traveling, it's a good time to do it, first day of this road trip. With Morse, we're just giving him a couple days to … hopefully get him a chance take some BP today. He didn't take BP yesterday. We gave him a day. This is a chance to get out here and do some good early work. He was in the cage earlier, as well. Then we'll get him back in there."

Asked about Morse's health, Wedge said: "He's OK. He's been battling through everything. But he's fine."

After hitting .248 with nine home runs and 14 RBIs in the first 25 games of the season, Morse has struggled after breaking his right pinkie finger and then injuring his hamstring. In 51 games since May 1, Morse has added just four home runs and 13 RBIs while batting .214.

The Mariners currently have six outfielders -- one more than normal -- after activating Franklin Gutierrez off the disabled list on Monday when they designated pitcher Aaron Harang for assignment.