Morrison set for rehab work at Triple-A Tacoma

SEATTLE -- Outfielder/designated hitter Logan Morrison, who has been on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring since mid-April, will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, manager Lloyd McClendon confirmed before Thursday's series opener against the Astros.

Morrison said he'll play designated hitter for the Rainiers during his first three rehab games, then transition to first base before hopefully getting called back up to the Major Leagues.

He can't wait to be back.

"Yeah, this rehab thing gets old. It's no fun watching these guys go out and grind every day, and I want to help contribute somehow," Morrison said. "I feel like when I'm in the lineup we're a better team, whether it shows in the box score or not. I just want to be out there helping the team win."

In eight games this season, Morrison was 3-for-20 (.150 batting average) and didn't record an extra-base hit or an RBI but scored two runs.

Morrison said he shortened his stride while rehabbing to help take pressure off his hamstring. He aggravated the injury while running the bases April 29, but has a good chance of rejoining the Mariners during their season-high 11-game homestand.

"Hopefully if things are going good in the first three games, I can say 'Hey, I feel good, let's go,'" Morrison said. "How realistic it is, I don't know. We'll see."