Weaver, M’s downplay differences over injury rehab

SEATTLE – After all the issues Jeff Weaver has had while flopping from World Series hero for St. Louis to $8 million bust in Seattle, both he and the Mariners are trying to downplay another one: Weaver avoiding a trip to the minor leagues to rehabilitate his tired shoulder.

Seattle wanted to send its No. 5 starter to perhaps two minor league outings to finish a stint on the disabled list that began May 11. Weaver said he didn’t need the trip, and because he is a veteran, he had the right to refuse.

Weaver, 0-6 with a 14.32 ERA, said having a bullpen session Thursday and an 85-pitch simulated game Sunday instead is not a disagreement with his sixth team in six years.

“It was always something we were going to discuss,” Weaver said before leaving to throw with what he calls a much stronger throwing shoulder.

Earlier this week, Seattle manager Mike Hargrove told reporters that Weaver needed some minor league starts because of the long layoff.

“He hasn’t pitched competitively in three weeks,” Hargrove said Tuesday in Anaheim, Calif. “It’s just to see how he’ll do in different game situations.”

But on Wednesday, Hargrove told reporters he wasn’t concerned about Weaver not pitching in a game in weeks, and that a simulated game likely would be enough to lead him back into the rotation next weekend at San Diego.