Michael Saunders (shoulder) served as the designated hitter in his first rehab appearance Friday at Triple-A Tacoma. Saunders, out since April 11, is expected to receive the majority of starts in center field when he returns from the disabled list. Manager Eric Wedge said Saunders could rejoin the team on Monday in a "best-case scenario."

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.

Michael Saunders (shoulder) played some catch from a short distance on Monday. It's the first time he's played catch since landing on the disabled list with a sprained right shoulder. Saunders is eligible to return on Friday but might need a rehab start or two first. He might be ready on Friday, and if not, he should be activated shortly after.

Michael Saunders (shoulder) took batting practice Friday. Good news. Saunders was placed on the disabled list last Thursday with a sprained right shoulder, but he's hopeful of returning as soon as he's eligible late next week.

Mariners manager Eric Wedge said Wednesday that Michael Saunders (shoulder) could return when first eligible on April 26. Saunders, who is recovering from a sprained right shoulder, has started some light swinging and hasn't had any issues. The outfielder was batting .286/.333/.500 with a homer and three steals when he went on the DL last week.

Mariners placed OF Michael Saunders on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right shoulder. Saunders suffered the injury during Wednesday's game when he crashed into the outfield wall. It's not clear at this point how long the outfielder will be sidelined. Jason Bay and Raul Ibanez will see more playing time while Saunders is on the shelf.

Michael Saunders has been diagnosed with a sprained right shoulder. The Mariners are only saying at the moment that he will miss "some time," but it would be a surprise if he didn't land on the disabled list. Saunders was injured during Wednesday's game when he crashed into the outfield wall. Jason Bay and Raul Ibanez are due for an uptick in playing time while Saunders is sidelined.

Michael Saunders left Wednesday's game with an apparent right shoulder injury after crashing into the outfield wall.

As expected, Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders will suit up for Canada in the World Baseball Classic. It's a nice honor for the 26-year-old outfielder. He's coming off a breakout season in which he hit .247/.306/.432 with 19 home runs, 57 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 139 games for the Mariners. Saunders boasts an intriguing blend of power and speed, and should make a nice late-round target in mixed fantasy drafts.

Michael Saunders had a pair of hits and drove in three runs on Tuesday night, leading the Mariners to a 6-1 victory over the visiting Angels. Saunders finished the game 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three RBI. He's very quietly had a dynamic offensive season, hitting .249/.307/.435 with 19 homers, 57 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He has likely shown enough to be penciled into the Mariners' starting lineup for the 2013 campaign.