Saunders (oblique) will continue his rehab assignment for at least a couple more days. If you read into manager Lloyd McClendon's comments, you can tell he's not exactly eager to get Saunders back. "Most hitters, they think they can go down and get three games' worth of at-bats and say, 'I'm ready to play,'" McClendon said. "I don't know anybody that can be ready in three games. "Don't waste games here. It's too important. We've got to win them here. We ain't here to get timing down. We're here to win."

Saunders (oblique) has rejoined Triple-A Tacoma for his rehab assignment, the Associated Press reports. Saunders left the squad after Monday's contest to attend the birth of his second child. He'll likely remain with Tacoma through the weekend, and if all goes well while he mans the outfield for a few games, an activation could come early next week.

Saunders (oblique) will play a rehab game Monday at Triple-A Tacoma before leaving the team for paternity leave, Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto reports. Saunders is in the final stretch of his recovery from a left oblique strain, fitting in four consecutive appearances at Tacoma. Overall, he hit .417 (5-for-12) with one double, two RBI, two runs, and seven walks versus three strikeouts. Considering the frequency with which he's reached base, expect the Mariners to activate the outfielder once he's spent time with his expanded family.

Saunders (oblique) went 1-for-4 with a walk in his first rehab game at Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday. Most likely, Saunders will remain on a rehab assignment throughout the weekend before returning to the Mariners' outfield early next week. He'll likely end up on the better side of a platoon in one of the corner outfield spots upon activation, yielding time against lefties to recently acquired veteran Chris Denorfia.

Saunders will begin his rehab assignment Thursday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. He will be joining the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma. Saunders has been on the disabled list since July 11 with a strained oblique. He has also battled through a shoulder injury this season, but has managed decent numbers when he has been on the field.

Saunders (oblique) will get a full on-field workout Tuesday and could start a rehab assignment Thursday, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports. A mid-August activation seems likely for Saunders, once he completes a rehab assignment. He has been limited by injuries this season, but he has managed to post a .276 average with six home runs and three steals in 65 games, making him a worthwhile stash in many formats.

Michael Saunders (oblique) took batting practice Wednesday and could be on a rehab assignment as soon as the weekend. Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said Saunders still isn't swinging at 100 percent and that "it's going to take some time," but McClendon had hopes Saunders will be advanced enough to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. Saunders has been on the disabled list since July 11 due to an oblique strain. He was hitting .276/.327/.434 before the injury.

Michael Saunders will take on-field batting practice Tuesday for the first time since straining his oblique. If all goes smoothly, Saunders could begin a minor league rehab assignment by the end of this week. The outfielder has been on the disabled list since July 11.

Michael Saunders (oblique) began taking swings in the indoor batting cages on Friday. It's seen as a good sign in the outfielder's recovery from a strained left oblique. He has been sidelined since July 11, and is likely to need a minor league rehab assignment before returning, so don't expect him back with the M's until early August.

Mariners placed OF Michael Saunders on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique. Saunders suffered the injury during Thursday's game. It's not clear at this point how long he'll be sidelined, but typically oblique strains put players on the shelf for at least three weeks. Justin Smoak has replaced Saunders on the roster.