J.J. Putz pitched a scoreless 1 2/3 innings in Tacoma for the Rainiers on Friday night, and the next time he pitches might be back on the mound for the Mariners.

No decision had been made, but manager Jim Riggleman said before Saturday's game against Cleveland that Putz could be activated from the disabled list on Sunday or he could pitch one more rehabilitation assignment in Tacoma.

"Nothing is cast in stone yet," Riggleman said. "I don't know if he'll throw another one down there or he'll be activated tomorrow."

Putz was placed on the disabled list on June 12 after being diagnosed with a hyperextended pitching elbow. He pitched twice in Arizona before coming up to Tacoma, throwing a simulated game on Sunday and a rookie-league game on Tuesday. Putz was at Safeco Field on Saturday morning, playing a game of catch in the outfield before the team took the field for batting practice.

Riggleman said Putz feels ready to return. Then again, Putz felt ready as soon as he came back from Arizona, Riggleman said.

"He didn't want to go to Tacoma at all," Riggleman said. "He felt like after his couple stints in Arizona, he felt great, and he didn't feel a need to go to Tacoma, but we had to do that."