The Mariners have played one or two players short for most of the last 10 days, but things could be back to normal this weekend.

For one thing, Richie Sexson's five-game suspension has been served, meaning he should be back in the lineup Friday night as the Mariners host San Diego in the start of interleague play.

And the club also hopes to get back Jose Vidro, who has been able to play just twice in the last 10 days because of ongoing back injury problems.

For most of the season, Vidro had been the club's No. 5 hitter, making 18 starts there. Before his suspension, Sexson had moved in and made six starts at No. 5.

But with both men out, Jose Lopez took over and he's done a fine job, getting 10 hits in 20 at-bats in six games, including three doubles and a ...More