Worth noting

By Greg Johns

February 22, 2014

• After being held out of Friday's workout due to a stiff back, right-hander Brandon Maurer played long toss on Saturday and "feels 100 percent better," according to McClendon.

• None of the pitchers threw live batting practice on Saturday as the hurlers took a scheduled day off from throwing while coaches threw batting practice to hitters. Pitchers will throw live BP Sunday and Monday before the Mariners hold an intrasquad game on Tuesday in preparation for Thursday's Cactus League opener against the Padres.

McClendon said the intrasquad affair would probably go five innings and will give some of his young players a chance to get their feet wet before facing other teams.

"I doubt if you'll see Robinson Cano in an intrasquad game," he said with a chuckle. "It ain't happening."

• Felix Hernandez said he'll throw against hitters on Sunday, then will have another bullpen session and a simulated practice game before making his Cactus League debut on March 6.

Greg Johns is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregJohnsMLB as well as his Mariners Musings blog.