Worth noting

• Outfielder Michael Morse (strained quadriceps) will run the bases prior to Friday's game in Cincinnati as one of his final tests before beginning a Minor League rehab assignment. Morse is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, but isn't quite ready, according Wedge, and will first play a few games with Triple-A Tacoma.

• The Mariners were 16-18 all-time on the Fourth of July entering Thursday's game, having won five of their last six. Seattle has been on the road now for 24 of its 35 games on America's birthday.