SEATTLE -- David Phelps, who is on the 10-day disabled list with a right elbow impingement, played catch without any issues Sunday for the third consecutive day.
The Mariners are encouraged by his progress, and manager Scott Servais said he's likely to return during their upcoming road trip to Tampa Bay and Atlanta, which begins Friday.
"[We're] optimistic, and he feels good and wants to get it ramped up as soon as he can," Servais said.
Phelps' full recovery would be a boost to a Mariners bullpen that has struggled of late, allowing 13 runs in the past three games. In the meantime, Servais is hoping someone will step up and perform well in the late innings, when Phelps would typically take the ball.
"We need somebody to step up and finish off an inning and just control the game a little better," said Servais.
Worth noting
• Mariners starter Felix Hernandez, on the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder bursitis, is not throwing yet, according to Servais. He's on anti-inflammatory medication and is undergoing strengthening exercises, along with general conditioning.
• Mitch Haniger (face laceration/small fracture) went 1-for-3 with a homer, two RBIs, two walks and two runs as the designated hitter on the first day of his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Tacoma.