Worth noting

• Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders, placed on the 15-day disabled list July 11 with a strained left oblique, began hitting off a tee this week. McClendon said Saunders could accompany Seattle on its road trip next week, before adding that it will "be a while" before Saunders is healthy. Saunders became eligible to come off the DL on Saturday.

• The club placed veteran utility man Willie Bloomquist on the 15-day disabled list earlier this week with a right knee contusion after Bloomquist was injured trying to leg out an infield single in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Mets. Bloomquist underwent an MRI on Thursday, the results of which haven't been disclosed.

"I just saw him hopping along the hallway," McClendon said. "It hurts like [heck]."

• Outfielder Endy Chavez was scratched nearly a half-hour before Saturday's first pitch due to a jammed pinky finger on his left hand. Corey Hart started in his place and batted sixth.