Rafael

Soriano

''It’s usually 12 to 15 months to come back, but he might be able to do it in 11,’' Mariners training Rick Griffin said. ''He could pitch in the majors in July, if it continues to go smoothly.’' A strong comeback this year could make Soriano to favorite to act as the Mariners’ closer in 2006.

He threw in the outfield yesterday and may get back on a mound soon. Soriano hopes to be available to work out of the pen on Opening Day.

Soriano is working out with the Mariners in Seattle until then. He’ll be back in uniform once he builds up his arm strength.

“He’s going to start. He needs the innings, and we don’t want to try to jam him in games to get them,” pitching coach Bryan Price said. “He’s going to get the work he didn’t get in spring training after he hurt his side.” Manager Bob Melvin insists the move is not a demotion for Soriano, though there is no timetable for his return to the majors. Shouldn’t last too long.

As you might expect, given the competition. He also fanned five. Even though he’s currently at Single-A, Soriano said he won’t be parting ways with the Mariners. He went to Inland Empire while the M’s were in nearby Anaheim, and when they return home he’ll travel with them and commute down the road to pitch a few games for nearby Triple-A Tacoma.

The job might have fallen to Soriano if he hadn’t missed time this spring with a strained oblique. Manager Bob Melvin said Soriano “might not be where we want him to be after missing those (four) weeks in camp. But he is getting there.” Soriano is someone to hold on to; he could star as a closer or starter once a spot opens up. And until then, he’ll still provide nice ratios.

He’ll be on the mound tonight, and return to the Mariners for their upcoming homestand.

''We’re not set up so that a minor leaguer can be two or three quality starts away from the big leagues,’' pitching coach Bryan Price said. ''So for guys like Soriano, (Jeff) Heaverlo and (Aaron) Taylor, if that means they have to wait until September call-ups, so be it.’'

Soriano is going to get a second opinion from Yocum on his injured elbow, but Tommy John surgery still appears to be the only option. Unless Dr. Yocum sees something others have not, Soriano will likely undergo the surgery on Tuesday and be out for the rest of this season and most of next as well.

Manager Bob Melvin said, ''Right now, there’s nowhere I wouldn’t feel comfortable using Soriano.’' He could fill any bullpen role from spot-starting to being used in the ninth inning. Soriano has a 1.57 ERA, striking out 38 in 28 2/3 innings. Of his past 21 outs, 16 have been strikeouts.