Morrison takes step forward in hamstring rehab

SEATTLE -- Outfielder/designated hitter Logan Morrison did some running drills and took batting practice Monday for the first time since re-injuring his strained right hamstring two weeks ago and said he's finally progressing after nearly a month on the 15-day disabled list.

Morrison hurt the hamstring again the last time he tried running the bases on April 29, so he was cautious in his approach Monday as he did some light work in the outfield grass at Safeco Field.

"It's coming along slowly, but it felt fine," Morrison said. "I was a little nervous just to get back out there, hoping it doesn't tear again, but it went well. It was just straight ahead, backpedal, side shuffle … pretty simple and generic. But it was good to be back out there."

Morrison has also been unable to swing while his leg healed, but he hit Monday in the cage, took batting practice and did some work at first base in the pregame session.

Manager Lloyd McClendon said Morrison would accompany the team on the upcoming road trip to Minnesota and Texas, so he could work out with the club and take part in simulated game action when James Paxton starts throwing against live hitters in his own rehab program.

Morrison will take Tuesday off, do some more work on Wednesday and then work back-to-back days in Minnesota on Friday and Saturday.

"The plan is to do some sim games and then after those, I'll be ready to go play in Triple-A and then be back," Morrison said. "Which would be good. It's been awhile and I'm ready to get after it."

Morrison, acquired from the Marlins in a December trade for Carter Capps, played in just eight games before getting hurt and was batting .150 (3-for-20) when he hurt the hamstring in Texas.