Mariners Rehab Projects Seen Xright On Schedule

Lou Piniella stood behind the batting cage avidly watching Ricky Jordan bash pitch after pitch into the outfield.

The Seattle Mariners are a long way from replenishing their dwindling crop of talent, but while watching Jordan hit, the Seattle manager couldn’t help but mention the silver lining: Everyone is on schedule.

So far.

Jordan leaves Wednesday for Lancaster, Calif., where he’ll begin rehabilitation with the Class A JetHawks. Piniella says Jordan should return after the All-Star break.

Lancaster was the ideal rehab location because it doesn’t have an All-Star break.

Randy Johnson and Chris Bosio also are on schedule.

Johnson threw from in front of the mound before the game Monday for the first time since he went on the disabled list with a swollen disc.

“I wasn’t watching anything in particular with Randy,” pitching coach Bobby Cuellar said. “I’m not looking for much from him, but he looked all right.

“(Trainer Rick) Griffin said Randy could throw today. Griffin is doing a good job with him.”

Bosio threw a 70-pitch simulated game before batting practice. Bosio, who has been sidelined with aching knees, is progressing to the liking of both Piniella and Cuellar.

Currently, Johnson is on pace to return at the end of July, Bosio on July 21, Tim Davis on July 15, Ken Griffey Jr. on July 20.

Griffey will begin handling a bat after the All-Star break and will return when he feels comfortable, Piniella said.

Piniella said he is expecting to have his team up and running again around the end of July. With the exception of Russ Davis and perhaps Alex Diaz.