Worth noting

By Greg Johns

July 4, 2014

• Utility man Willie Bloomquist made his third start of the season in left field on Saturday as McClendon looked to get another right-handed bat in the lineup against White Sox lefty Jose Quintana. With Stefen Romero and Cole Gillespie no longer on the squad, the Mariners have only four left-handed hitters, plus right-handed DH Corey Hart, who can play the outfield along with Bloomquist.

• McClendon said rookie left-hander James Paxton was feeling fine Saturday after throwing a 52-pitch bullpen session on Friday.

"He threw the ball extremely well. It was very good news yesterday," McClendon said. "He continues to progress and hopefully he'll be back soon."

• Gillespie was claimed off waivers on Saturday by the Blue Jays after being designated for assignment by the Mariners on Friday. The 30-year-old hit .254 in 34 games for Seattle before being released when Corey Hart was activated off the 15-day disabled list.

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