Baseball notes: Morrow will start Friday in Washburn's spot

Olympian News Services • Published September 03, 2008

• Comments (0)

ARLINGTON, Texas – They always say you can't have enough pitching, and the Seattle Mariners were reminded yet again Tuesday how true that adage can be.

As manager Jim Riggleman and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre were working out a rotation that had to deal with two days off and at least six starters, the answer walked through Riggleman's office door.

Jarrod Washburn has a strained abdominal muscle and won't be able to pitch Friday against the New York Yankees at Safeco Field.

Brandon Morrow will — and he's ready.

"It took me three, almost four starts with Tacoma before I stopped feeling awkward pitching with a windup instead of from the stretch," Morrow said. "Then I got sharper with my other pitches, too."

With a 98 mph fastball, Morrow's other pitches now include a change-up, curve and cutter. The curve is new, and the change-up is much improved, he said.

• AROUND THE LEAGUE: Red Sox ace Josh Beckett will rejoin Boston's rotation on Friday at Texas. ... The Tampa Bay Rays activated closer Troy Percival from the 15-day disabled list. ... Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets (groin) is expected to make his next scheduled start on Saturday against San Diego.