Mariners' Jackson begins rehab assignment

SEATTLE -- Center fielder Austin Jackson started a Minor League rehab stint on Saturday night with Triple-A Tacoma after being cleared by Mariners trainers to begin playing on the right ankle he sprained two weeks ago.

Jackson went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles while leading off and playing designated hitter in Tacoma's 6-3 loss to Las Vegas in 10 innings at Cheney Stadium.

Jackson, 28, is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, so he could potentially play three games with Tacoma before the Mariners decide whether he's ready to return.

"We'll see," Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. "The one thing is I want him swinging well when he comes back."

Jackson twisted his ankle when he stepped on the corner of the first-base bag trying to beat out an infield single on May 3 in Houston. He was hitting .242 with 11 runs and five stolen bases in 25 games at the time of his injury.