ARLINGTON, Texas — Seattle closer Kazuhiro Sasaki says his right elbow is healthy enough to allow him to pitch as the Mariners attempt to overtake Anaheim or Oakland for a playoff berth.

        “He's fine,” Mariners manager Lou Piniella said before Monday night's game against the Texas Rangers. “He's available to pitch tonight.”

        Sasaki has been bothered recently by a sore right elbow. He blew an 8-5 lead and gave up three runs in the ninth inning at Kansas City in Sunday, a game the Mariners won 16-9 in 11 innings.

        He allowed three runs and three hits in 1 2-3 innings, giving up a two-run homer in the ninth to pinch-hitter Brent Mayne.

        Sasaki said the elbow bothered him Sunday in his second inning but it felt better Monday. Mariners' trainers have been treating his right elbow daily.

        Sasaki, 34, is in his third season with the Mariners. He set a major league record for saves by a rookie with 37 in 2000 and had 45 last season. He has 34 saves this year, going 3-5 with a 2.13 ERA.

        He had elbow surgery in 1999, his 10th season with Yokohama in Japan's Central League. He agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Mariners in May.

Reds 9, Pirates 8 Reds Box, Runs Reds left to guess on budget for '03 Left shoulder injury ends Casey's season Sasaki says elbow OK Sosa fed up, wants changes Ballplayer's kindness honors mother's heroics Cardinals 3, Brewers 0 Cubs 3, Expos 2 Astros 6, Rockies 5, 10 innings Athletics 2, Angels 1 Giants 6, Dodgers 5

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