Mariners' Steve Cishek: Targeting mid-April return

Cishek (hip) threw off a mound Monday and is hopeful to be available for the Mariners by mid-April, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Analysis:

It was only the second time that Cishek has thrown off a mound since requiring surgery in October to repair a torn labrum in his hip, so with Opening Day a week away, he'll be on tap for a 10-day DL stint to begin the season. Manager Scott Servais acknowledged that Cishek will need about six or seven outings to build up endurance before the team considers activating him, so look for the right-hander to head out on a rehab assignment in the minors once the Mariners determine he's ready for game action.