Russell Branyan probably won’t start another game at first base this season for the Seattle Mariners.

He’s admitted as much, and so has manager Don Wakamatsu.

However, Wakamatsu still hasn’t given up hope that he can get Branyan at least one or two more at-bats before the Mariners wrap up their season Sunday against the Texas Rangers.

The Mariners activated Branyan from the disabled list before Tuesday’s game against Oakland.

“We would like him to be back for what he’s done, to get at least a day in the lineup, but we’re not going to force that,” Wakamatsu said.

Branyan, sidelined since Aug. 29 with a herniated disk, has been continuing his rehabilitation as if he was hoping to get back to play, instead of giving up on the season. He’s been taking batting practice for the past few days and will continue to do so.

Why is it important to get Branyan back in the games with the season basically over?

“We wanted him to finish up with the team he helped start,” Wakamatsu said. “So we’ll see how that goes. Hopefully, we can get him an at-bat or two.”

Whether or not that happens, it’s still been a magical year for Branyan, who posted career highs in almost every offensive category. Even with the injury cutting short the season, if he doesn’t get another at-bat he’ll finish with a .251 batting average with 31 home runs, 76 RBI, an on-base percentage of .347 and a slugging percentage of .520.

With Branyan becoming a free agent in the offseason and the Mariners possibly being interested in re-signing him, the injury issues are a concern.

“I think any time a guy misses a month at the end of the season, you have to make sure that next year he’s able to play,” Wakamatsu said. “The rest is going to be up to the medical staff and Jack (Zduriencik, general manager).”

Wilson meets with doctor

While Wakamatsu hopes to get Branyan some at-bats before the season ends, he holds no such hopes for shortstop Jack Wilson, who is out with a bruised heel. Wilson met with a doctor before Tuesday’s game to have the heel examined.

“They are just going to look at it again,” Wakamatsu said.

Wilson appeared in 31 games for the Mariners, hitting .224 with five doubles, a home run and eight RBI.

Griffey mum about future

Ken Griffey Jr. talked about football, he talked about Halloween costumes, he talked about the chill in the air, but he wasn’t talking about his future with the Mariners. It’s one of the few things he’s been tight-lipped about.

Wakamatsu took Griffey fly fishing for the first time in his life Monday, and Junior’s future was not mentioned.

“He never brought it up,” Wakamatsu said.

“That’s Junior’s decision, that’s Jack’s decision..”

When asked if he wanted Griffey back, Wakamatsu also got tight-lipped.

“That’s a tough question,” Wakamatsu said. “Obviously, I respect the man as much as anyone in the game. I’ll leave that up to Jack and Junior and his agent.”

And the fishing?

“We caught a bunch of pink salmon,” Wakamatsu said. “It was Junior’s first fly-fishing trip.

“I thought at times I took my life in my own hands. It was fun.”

On tap

The teams resume a three-game series as Seattle will go with right-hander Brandon Morrow (1-4, 4.96 ERA) today while Oakland counters with right-hander Clayton Mortensen (2-3, 6.07 ERA). First pitch is 7:10 p.m. The game will be broadcast on FSN.

Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483

ryan.divish@thenewstribune.com

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