--3B Matt Tuiasosopo is making his strongest bid yet for a spot on the 25-man roster. With three hits Friday, he was averaging .448 as he bid to become the backup to 3B Adrian Beltre.

--LHP Tyler Johnson, slowed by tightness in his left shoulder most of the spring, has started throwing batting practice and is about ready to face game situations for the first time this spring.

--LF/DH Ken Griffey Jr. is scheduled to be mostly a DH for the next week or 10 days, then could be eased into left field. For the moment, the Mariners are more concerned with him getting his swing together than with him playing the outfield.

--RHP Brandon Morrow is able to play catch, but there is no telling when he will be back in a game. He had some right forearm stiffness that had him scratched from a couple of starts. It's becoming increasingly likely that it's going to be a struggle for him to get the innings he needs to be ready to start the season in the Seattle rotation.

--RHP Phillippe Aumont is back with the Mariners after pitching for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. He threw only one inning, in Toronto against Team USA. He loaded the bases with no one out, then pitched out of the jam with no runs scoring. "It's a career highlight," Aumont said. "It's something I'll always remember. Once I got in that position, I just tried to sit back and throw strikes, and the adrenalin kicked in. Afterward, it was, 'Wow, I did it.'"

BY THE NUMBERS: 7 -- Players the Mariners have playing in the World Baseball Classic's second round.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I told him I was extremely proud of him and how he handled himself. It's too early to know if he'll be up during the (regular) season, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity to see him pitch again." -- Manager Don Wakamatsu on his brief acquaintanceship with RHP Josh Fields, the 2008 first-round draft pick.