Saunders targeted for Monday return

SEATTLE -- Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma in his recovery from a sprained right shoulder.

So what happened in his first game against Las Vegas?

"Ironically enough, he gets hit in the right shoulder with a pitch," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "That pretty sums up where we are right now."

The club hopes that Saunders can return to the team on Monday.

"I think we still have a chance for Monday," Wedge said. "We'll have to see. The big thing will be tomorrow when he plays the field."

The Mariners have had a series of injuries, to the outfielders in particular, that have affected their season rhythm. Saunders has not played since April 9. Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez went on the disabled list on Tuesday with a strained right hamstring. Outfielder Michael Morse is playing with a broken right little finger.

In addition, right-hander Stephen Pryor, who had not allowed a run in seven relief appearances, was placed on the DL on April 15 with a tear in his right lat muscle.