Morse, Morales return to add punch to lineup

OAKLAND -- Among the changes to the Mariners' ever-fluctuating roster are the additions of Kendrys Morales and Michael Morse to Seattle's lineup after the pair sat out of Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Astros.

Morales, who has missed Seattle's last two games, hit cleanup as the Mariner's designated hitter after experiencing stiffness in his lower-back.

Morse returned as the Mariners' first baseman after resting a strained right quad that has been lingering for the past couple of weeks and was slotted fifth in manager Eric Wedge's lineup.

"Neither of them are 100 percent, but they're back out there, which is better than them sitting with me," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said.

Morales has hit in 29 of his last 36 games since April 30 with a .327 batting average and five home runs, while Morse is second on the team with 11 home runs.