Sore Morrow will miss next start for Mariners

PEORIA, Ariz. – Seattle right-hander Brandon Morrow will miss his next start after complaining of stiffness in his pitching forearm.

“It’s just a little sore around the flexor bundle,” Morrow said Thursday. “It was kind of tight last week and tighter yesterday. Not like it is painful or anything, just tight and they wanted to make sure its OK.”

Morrow, who will likely be the Mariners’ No. 4 or No. 5 starter, had control problems and was pulled after facing three batters without recording an out in the second inning against Texas on Sunday. The 24-year-old gave up two runs and three hits while walking three before being pulled by manager Don Wakamatsu.

Bedard sails along

Erik Bedard no longer worries about the pain in his pitching shoulder that caused him so much discomfort last year, cost him half the season and ultimately landed the Seattle left-hander on the disabled list.

Bedard passed his latest test on the road to recovery, throwing 22/3 shutout innings in the Mariners’ 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

It was the second straight strong outing for Bedard.

Griffey will stay at DH

Wakamatsu has plans for Ken Griffey Jr. to play the outfield this spring, but for now the 39-year-old slugger will remain in his role as Seattle’s designated hitter.

Griffey, who walked and flew out in his first game back with the Mariners on Wednesday, was held out Thursday but will likely be back in the lineup Sunday against Arizona.

Sweeney looks for swings

Veteran Mike Sweeney is also trying to get in some time at DH, but that’s been a tough haul. Sweeney, who had surgeries on both knees during the offseason, is still rehabbing from the operations and hasn’t had many opportunities with Griffey getting most of the work at DH.