Mariners' Emerson Hancock: Nursing back issue

Hancock (back) was removed from start this past Wednesday with Triple-A Tacoma due to lower-back tightness, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Hancock was expected to make his next appearance Saturday, but his status is currently in question. There's also a possibility that Seattle would promote Hancock to pitch against Minnesota over the weekend if Bryan Woo (hamstring) forced to go on the injured list, but Hancock's own health complicates the matter. The club will likely re-evaluate the right-hander over the next few days to determine his availability going forward.