In case you were wondering why closer Brandon Morrow wasn't used in the top of the ninth last night -- Morrow certainly was -- the Mariners gave an answer today: Morrow has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 24, with right biceps tendinitis. He's eligible to return May 9 (a week from today). Manager Don Wakamatsu called the move "proactive."

"I didn't want to," said Morrow, who said he is not having any pain. "I think I'm fine. I think I'm ready to pitch. But they argued otherwise, and eventually won that argument."

Morrow hasn't pitched since April 23, when he saved a 1-0 victory against Tampa Bay. He reported shoulder stiffness April 25, but he said he had been told he was available for the past week, including Friday night. So when he was not called upon in the top of the ninth -- in a 7-7 game -- he asked club officials, including Wakamatsu, why.

"They weren't sure sure that if they did put me out to pitch, that I wouldn't just re-hurt it or something," Morrow said.

Morrow argued that he had a similar shoulder problem last year, in early June, and returned go 12 consecutive appearances without allowing a run. He said the Mariners argued that placing him on the disabled list was the safest route, and though he didn't agree with it, he did understand.

"That was the best move for Brandon, and also for the club," Wakamatsu said. "We think it's better to be proactive."

David Aardsma will be the closer until Morrow returns, with Shawn Kelley stepping in if Aardsma isn't available.

Denny Stark was selected from Tacoma, returning to the Mariners clubhouse for the first time since 2001. He has had two Tommy John surgeries since. He will pitch between the fifth and seventh innings, Wakamatsu said.

OAKLAND (8-13)

Ryan Sweeney RF
Orlando Cabarera SS
Jason Giambi 1B
Matt Holliday LF
Jack Cust DH
Kurt Suzuki C
Bobby Crosby 3B
Rajai Davis CF
Gregorio Petit 2B

Trevor, Cahill, RHP (0-2, 5.40)

SEATTLE (14-9)

Ichiro RF
Endy Chavez LF
Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Russell Branyon 1B
Jose Lopez 2B
Rob Johnson C
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Yuniesky Betancourt SS

Jarrod Washburn LHP (3-1, 3.42)