Mariners' Ichiro will see action in Peoria

MINNEAPOLIS — Ichiro's blood test results are back, and the team says he's improving from the bleeding ulcer that landed him on the disabled list. The plan is to use him as a designated hitter in an extended spring game today in Peoria, Ariz.

Ichiro could get as many as 10 at-bats. A rehabbing player can often lead off every inning or be used more than once in a frame. After that, he'll be re-evaluated.

Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said he'd like to get Ichiro into at least three games before he returns to the team.

"We'll take each day and see how it progresses," Wakamatsu said. "We're going to start him off slow, give him some at-bats [today], re-evaluate him. But his energy level seems to be coming back up, and he seems to be fine.

"I don't think he's at 100 percent yet, but he's close. After playing in the games, we'll see how he reacts and whether his energy level comes back up or goes back down."

It's not certain whether Ichiro will join his teammates in Oakland or meet up with them in Seattle. There is talk that Ichiro will work out at Safeco Field on Monday, but that's yet to be finalized.

Morrow's bad day

Nobody can say for certain why Brandon Morrow lost his control in the bottom of the ninth inning in Tuesday's 6-5 loss. The closer walked three straight hitters before he was relieved by Miguel Batista, who allowed all three to score.

Part of it is learning to overcome mechanical setbacks that can occur on the mound. Another is the fact that Morrow has to accept his new role. He is no longer a replacement for J.J. Putz. So, while he had some closing experience last year, this time around is different.

Last year if he failed, it could always be dismissed as the fact he was just a starter-in-waiting and biding his time as a closer.

Not any more. It's now his full-time job. So, whether these things are running consciously through Morrow's mind or not, he has to come to terms with his role.

Note

• General manager Jack Zduriencik was asked why Morrow was made the closer after struggling with his command in the spring. He said Morrow had "earned a shot at the role" more than anybody based on his past performance.

For the record

Streak: L2

Home: 0-0

Road: 1-2

vs. AL West: 0-0

vs. L.A.: 0-0

vs. Oakland: 0-0

vs. Texas: 0-0

vs. AL East: 0-0

vs. AL Cent.: 1-2

vs. NL: 0-0

vs. LHP: 1-0

vs. RHP: 0-2

Day: 0-0

Night: 1-2

One-run: 0-2

Extra inn.: 0-0