Notebook | Starting still in Brandon Morrow's future

TORONTO — Mariners closer Brandon Morrow could be headed into the starting rotation this season after all.

Manager Jim Riggleman raised the possibility on Friday when he was asked whether he felt comfortable using J.J. Putz in the closer role. Riggleman replied that he was comfortable using both Putz and Morrow to close games for now, but would lean toward one if he saw that reliever able to close three days in a row.

As to what would happen with Morrow if Putz were to reassume the role full-time, Riggleman said: "He would pitch the eighth. But again, we've tossed that around ... at some point, does he go in the rotation?"

Riggleman could see Morrow being moved down to Class AAA by mid-August in order to spend two or three weeks transitioning to a major-league starting role. He thinks it would take less time to stretch Morrow's arm out that way, rather than have him make the transition while pitching out of Seattle's bullpen.

But no firm decision has been made.

And Putz wouldn't necessarily have to go three straight outings to reclaim the closer job, depending on how many save opportunities the Mariners give their bullpen. Just showing he can go back-to-back might give the Mariners enough reason to move Morrow into the starting role.

But Putz still has some work to do. He allowed three straight hits to open the eighth inning on Friday night, allowing the game's tying run.

A decision on Morrow isn't a clear-cut one for the Mariners, according to Riggleman.

"In our organization, amongst the front office, amongst the media, maybe, staff members, it's 50-50. It's not like, 'Yeah, we know the answer to this. It's obvious we do this,' " he said. "A lot of people say, 'No, why don't we just do that? You shouldn't do that.' Other people say, 'Sure, you've got to do that. He's got your best arm, you've got to put him in the rotation, get him more innings.'

"So, it's a tough call for me."

Riggleman isn't a big fan of having Morrow go back to winter ball, even though he has managed for two years at that level.

"It's not that often you're getting the Brandon Morrows down there," he said. "Most organizations are sending their mid-level prospects down there who are pitchers, and they're sending their elite hitters. You're just so leery of putting more innings on that arm that aren't directly affecting the outcome of the Mariners."

Eyes on Rhodes

The Milwaukee Brewers had a scout at Friday's game, most likely to watch situational left-hander Arthur Rhodes.

Milwaukee had scouted relievers Rhodes and Ryan Rowland-Smith, along with Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn, earlier this month. But with Rowland-Smith now starting at Class AAA and Milwaukee having filled its rotation needs with CC Sabathia, the Brewers are likely looking at Rhodes, who came on in Friday's seventh inning.

Rhodes struck out Adam Lind and walked Brad Wilkerson before being pulled when his next pitch, to Marco Scutaro, got by catcher Kenji Johjima and bounced to the backstop.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has indicated he would not be paying a premium in prospects for any bullpen help. That would seem to take them out of the running for top arms like the A's Huston Street and the Orioles' George Sherrill, relievers whose teams expect to receive sizable returns for them.

An open mind

Washburn gave little indication Friday that his no-trade clause might scuttle a potential deal with the New York Yankees. Washburn said he's prepared to look at any deal with an open mind.

"Whatever happens, if a deal is done, I'll talk it over with my wife and we'll take things from there," he said.

Washburn said there are teams he would be reluctant to go to, while being more receptive to others. He has indicated in the past that he'd like to pitch on a contender again at some point, whether in Seattle or elsewhere.

The Yankees are said to be willing to deal for Washburn if the Mariners take back salary in return. Seattle has apparently balked at taking Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa, owed $4 million in each of the next three years.

But New York has also reportedly tried to sweeten the pot by offering to throw in outfielder Melky Cabrera or AAA center-field prospect Brett Gardner.

Notes

• The Mariners have made a rotation change for today's game, bumping Carlos Silva because of continued problems with a sore lower back. R.A. Dickey will take his starting assignment on four days' rest.

Silva, who did not feel comfortable after the team's flight to Toronto on Wednesday night, is to throw on the side today instead. He'll then fly to Texas with the team on Sunday, get an extra day to rest his back Monday and be back in the rotation Tuesday.

The added day off makes sense since Felix Hernandez will be able to start Monday on his normal rest, something the team wants to keep doing.

• Jose Lopez extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games with a run-scoring single to center field in the third inning. Lopez entered the night 14 for 48 (.292) during the streak.

For the record

Streak: L6

Home: 20-32

Road: 18-32

vs. AL West: 11-17

vs. L.A.: 3-6

vs. Oakland: 4-5

vs. Texas: 4-6

vs. AL East: 10-22

vs. AL Cent.: 8-16

vs. NL: 9-9

vs. LHP: 10-20

vs. RHP: 28-44

Day: 11-22

Night: 27-42

One-run: 11-20

Extra inn.: 2-6