Mariners notebook: Injury updates and a surprise visit in the clubhouse

There was a flurry of pregame activity Monday as the Mariners got set for the opener of their seven-game homestand. Injury updates were given, director of amateur scouting Tom McNamara met with the media ahead of the draft, which starts Thursday, and Ken Griffey Jr. popped up in the clubhouse. Plenty going on.

Of course, the first matter of business was to check in on Felix Hernandez, who’s on the disabled list with a calf strain. Felix made one trip through the clubhouse on his way to the training room while the media was present. He appeared to be moving okay but has yet to be cleared to resume work on the field.

“It’s going to take some time,” manager Scott Servais said in his pregame meeting with the media. “He’s still feeling it. He’s not running or anything like that. I’d like to get his arm activated so we don’t lose too much time there.”

On Sunday, Servais cautioned that there was a good chance that Felix would not be ready to go by June 12, when he’s eligible to come off the DL, and that he very well could miss a few starts. Felix was scheduled to see the team doctor later in the day.

As for the rest of the injury list, shortstop Ketel Marte has been activated and is in the starting lineup against the Indians, batting eighth, and center fielder Leonys Martin ran the bases for the first time since suffering his hamstring injury. Servais is hoping to get Martin out on a rehab assignment in the next day or two, though that is somewhat problematic with the Rainiers having an off day Wednesday. While Martin is eligible to rejoin the team Friday, there is a possibility we don’t see him in a game until the weekend.

To make room for Marte on the 25-man roster, outfielder Stefen Romero was optioned back to Tacoma. While Romero made a huge error in the loss Sunday in Texas, Servais said the move had been in the works before that bad play.

“Looking at what Cleveland has got – the four right-handed starters, predominantly right-handed in the bullpen – not a great opportunity for him to get any starts or really impact in the game much,” Servais said Romero, who hits right-handed. “It gives us flexibility in the infield and obviously (Shawn) O’Malley can play in the outfield if needed.”

Or maybe they can just put Junior out there for a couple of games. Griffey was in town for a quick video shoot at the park earlier in the day. Just 48 days until he is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.