Jeff

Cirillo

This gives Cirillo a little boost. Randy Winn is still likely to bat second against right-handers. When not batting second, the Cirillo or Winn would join Carlos Guillen and Dan Wilson/Ben Davis in the bottom third of the lineup.

Cirillo has been bothered by back problems for about a week, saying it’s like playing ''with a 2-by-4 attached to my back.’' He’s day-to-day.

Cirillo bruised both knees, twisted his right ankle and got a slight sprain in his neck. He’s mostly concerned about his right knee and his neck, which were bothering him after the game. He’s day-to-day. His replacement, Willie Bloomquist, gashed his knee in nearly the same spot on the field.

Cirillo has not asked for a trade, but expects the M’s to ''pursue every avenue.’' Cirillo was a career .311 hitter when he arrived in Seattle, but hit .249 last season and is at .205 now. Seattle would be happy if anyone were just willing to take Cirillo off their hands.

The New York Daily News disagrees, suggesting the deal is all but agreed to and could be finalized today. Cirillo is owed $5 million more than Cedeno over the next two years, and the Mets seem to want the Mariners to pay the entire difference.

Cirillo, who has a broken right index finger, was ticketed for Single-A Lake Elsinore, but ''We want him to face competition closer to the major league level, and Portland also needs some position players,’' manager Bruce Bochy said.

Cirillo’s strained intercostal muscle appeared improved as he participated in batting practice yesterday.

Cirillo, who said he had also been suffering from back spasms, was hurt yesterday. Mark McLemore will fill in for him.

Cirillo rejoins the Mariners tonight but it is not known when he will be activated.

Cirillo remains on the DL with a shoulder injury though, ''Physically, he’s fine,’' manager Bob Melvin said. ''He’s made some mechanical changes in his swing that take some time, so we’re going to take it day to day with him.’'