Mariners' Soriano sidelined

[WebHamster]

Peoria, AZ (Sports Network) - Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Rafael Soriano could be sidelined for up to a month due to a strained interior oblique muscle on his left side.

The 24-year-old Soriano felt pain while throwing off the mound on Monday and an MRI taken showed the strain. Despite the injury, the Mariners are hoping the righthander will be ready for the start of the regular season, April 6 against Anaheim.

Last season, Soriano had a 3-0 record with one save and a 1.53 ERA in 40 appearances.