M’s not settled yet

The Mariners ended their stay in Arizona facing the same unanswered questions they had when they arrived six weeks ago.

Seattle broke camp Thursday still unsure of the makeup of its bullpen and its bench.

“We’re still sorting through some things,” manager John McLaren said before an afternoon split-squad game against San Diego.

“There’s a couple guys we still have to make a decision on. We want to check on a couple guys and see how they’re throwing,” McLaren said, meaning relievers Brandon Morrow and Mark Lowe.

“It should come together pretty quickly.”

After the night split-squad game in San Francisco, the Mariners planned to fly to Las Vegas for a pair of games against the Chicago Cubs today and Saturday. They return to Seattle for a workout at Safeco Field on Sunday. The season-opening series against Texas begins Monday afternoon, with new ace Erik Bedard’s debut.

But before that, Seattle must figure out its bullpen ahead of All-Star closer J.J. Putz and determine who will be the reserve outfielder. McLaren said he expected to meet with the rest of his staff and general manager Bill Bavasi in Las Vegas today to answer those questions.

Morrow, last season’s rookie wonder, was projected to fill the primary right-handed setup role but has been slowed by a sore pitching shoulder. The fifth overall draft choice in 2006 was knocked around for five runs and four hits in a third of an inning during his most recent outing, in a minor league game Tuesday.

If Morrow is sent down or placed on the disabled list, Seattle might keep an extra right-hander in the bullpen.

Lowe could fill the right-handed setup role if Morrow is out. The 24-year-old has been impressive coming off two elbow surgeries within the last 18 months, giving up only two earned runs in seven spring appearances. This week, he successfully pitched for the first time on consecutive days.

Seattle also has knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, right-handers Sean Green and Ryan Rowland-Smith and left-hander Eric O’Flaherty. All could end up making the 25-man roster if Morrow is out and the Mariners choose a 12-man staff.

A staff of 12 pitchers would leave one roster spot for a reserve position player. Willie Bloomquist, backup catcher Jaime Burke and infielder Miguel Cairo are locks to make the team. That leaves Mike Morse, Charles Jimerson, Jeremy Reed and Greg Norton to battle for perhaps only one opening.

Reed, who is left-handed in a spot where Seattle prefers a right-hander, could be traded. Jimerson, the fastest of the four, was batting only .208 with two RBIs this spring entering Thursday. So the decision could come down to Morse versus Norton.

Morse was leading the Mariners with a .518 spring average and was tied for the team lead in RBIs (14). He is out of options to the minor leagues and would have to clear waivers if Seattle doesn’t keep him.

“I want to play in the major leagues … I think I’m ready,” Morse said earlier this month.

Norton, a 35-year-old switch-hitter and pinch-hit specialist is a favorite of McLaren’s. He entered Thursday batting .333 with two home runs and nine RBIs.

Hernandez says he’s ready

After allowing two home runs in his last spring start, Felix Hernandez is not worried heading into the season.

Seattle’s right-hander gave up three runs and nine hits in five innings against the San Diego Padres on Thursday.

“They had a lot of hits but I felt good,” said Hernandez, who helped a Mariners split squad tie the Padres 10-10. “I’m ready now, ready for business.”

Hernandez, No. 2 in Seattle’s rotation behind Bedard, struck out five, but allowed the two home runs, including Scott Hairston’s solo shot to left-center on Hernandez’s second pitch. Khalil Greene homered leading off the fourth for San Diego.

“At San Francisco, Yuniesky Betancourt went 2 for 2 and had five RBIs and Seattle defeated the Giants 7-2.

Betancourt hit a two-run double in the second and connected for a three-run homer in the fourth.

Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (1-0) made a spot start for the split squad Mariners and held the Giants scoreless for five innings. He gave up just one hit while walking three and striking out two.