Michael Saunders unable to avoid DL

The Mariners placed outfielder Michael Saunders on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a sprain in the AC joint of his right shoulder. The move comes a day after Saunders crashed into the outfield wall and was missing from the lineup for Thursday's series opener against Texas.

Saunders said he was initially concerned he may have broken his collarbone, but further examination revealed the injury was just a sprain. Seattle manager Eric Wedge said Saunders fought moving to the disabled list, but the injury requires a couple weeks of rest.