A night after seeing his bullpen struggle for the first time in several games, manager Scott Servais watched potential relief reinforcements make a major step in their return.
Early on Saturday afternoon, left-hander Charlie Furbush and right-hander Joaquin Benoit threw simulated games as they progress in their recoveries from shoulder strains.
Furbush will throw another simulated game on Thursday at Cheney Stadium with Class AAA Tacoma. From there, he will report to the Mariners’ complex in Peoria, Arizona. He’ll build up an innings progression at extended spring training for three to four outings and then go back to the Rainiers for more work.