Michael Saunders (shoulder) is expected to begin a rehab assignment this weekend at Triple-A Tacoma. If all goes well, he could be back on the Mariners' active roster early next week. The 26-year-old outfielder has been on the 15-day disabled list since April 11 with a sprained right shoulder. He will start in center field when he returns because Franklin Gutierrez (hamstring) is sidelined yet again.