As reinforcements arrived from Tacoma, the Seattle Mariners learned they needed them Tuesday.

As manager Jim Riggleman and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre tried to work up a starting rotation with two of the next six days off, Jarrod Washburn came up ailing.

A left abdominal strain scratched him from a start Friday against the New York Yankees.

Hello, Brandon Morrow - he'll get his first big-league start in Washburn's place.

Bryan LaHair, meanwhile, started at first base Tuesday, in part because Miguel Cairo has a badly swollen left hand. Cairo was hit by not one but two pitches in Monday's game.

He can play defense, but not yet hit.

As for the other reinforcements, Mark Lowe and Jared Wells will be in the bullpen tonight, along with lefty Justin Thomas.

Catcher Rob Johnson spent a busy afternoon learning the signs, and Matt Tuiasosopo took ground balls at third base.