Ackley resting with bone spurs in ailing ankle

SEATTLE -- An MRI test on Dustin Ackley's ailing left ankle revealed some bone spurs that will likely sideline the Mariners left fielder several more days, manager Lloyd McClendon said Tuesday.

Ackley didn't play the last two games and was out of the lineup again Tuesday night against the Astros after feeling the ankle getting worse midway through Saturday's 4-2 win in Texas.

The 26-year-old had surgery to remove bone spurs from the same ankle following the 2012 season and said Monday that issue has limited his mobility in the ankle since then, but he didn't believe it was a serious issue. Ackley wasn't available to the media on Tuesday, but McClendon said the situation remains minor.

"Nothing has changed," McClendon said. "He's going to be out a couple days. The spurs have flared up a little bit, but he should be OK."

Ackley has been one of Seattle's better hitters in the second half, batting .291 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs in 45 games since the All-Star break to raise his season numbers to .251 with 11 homers and 60 RBIs in 130 games. The Mariners had some fortunate timing in the return of outfielder Michael Saunders from the disabled list, as he stepped in and played well Monday and was back in the lineup again Tuesday.

"We have other options," McClendon said. "James Jones is an option. [Logan] Morrison can go to the outfield. But Saundo did a nice job for us."