Wilhelmsen getting back on track

SEATTLE -- Mariners closer Tom Wilhelmsen has had a nice start to the homestand, picking up saves on Monday and Tuesday after blowing three of four opportunities over the previous two weeks.

Still, the right-hander -- who is fifth in the American League with 14 saves -- wasn't his typically sharp self, walking the first batter he faced in both contests, and allowing a run on Monday.

"It's not back to where it was, but he's moving in the right direction," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "Walking that leadoff guy makes it so much more difficult for you, and he understands that."

Wilhelmsen, who had an off-day on Wednesday, said that while allowing the baserunners is frustrating, he's encouraged by the progress he's made this week.

"I felt the same when I was blowing games as when I wasn't blowing them," Wilhelmsen said. "I felt the same when I'm walking everybody; mentality is the same, my body feels good, it's just, I guess I'm not a robot."