Joe Saunders managed to escape relatively unscathed Tuesday, allowing two runs -- one earned -- across 6 2/3 frames in a 9-2 win over the Rangers. Saunders walked one, hit a batter and served up 10 hits, but he was able to sidestep the potential landmines since they were all singles. The left-hander's Jekyll and Hyde season continues, as he's often pitched well but usually gets obliterated when he doesn't. He'll bring a 4.74 ERA and 1.46 WHIP into Cincy this weekend.

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have inquired about Joe Saunders, but so far the Mariners' asking price is "too high." Saunders was good down the stretch last season for the O's, but, with a 4.98 ERA and 1.45 WHIP this season, it's hard to imagine him being much of an upgrade. Connolly also notes that the club has discussed Scott Feldman, Ricky Nolasco and Jake Peavy internally.

Joe Saunders lasted just 1 2/3 innings and gave up six runs Tuesday against the Pirates. After going four straight starts without allowing a homer, Saunders have up three while getting just five outs tonight. He had been 4-2 with a 2.53 ERA and just three homers allowed in 46 1/3 innings at Safeco before getting bombed at home tonight. Since he was pitching well prior to this, he shouldn't be in any danger of losing his rotation spot, even with the Mariners in need of finding a place for Erasmo Ramirez.

Joe Saunders took a complete-game loss after giving up one run in eight innings against the Angels on Wednesday. The lone run to score off him did so on a wild pitch. This makes five straight quality starts for Saunders, though he has a 2-2 record to show for it. Overall, he's 5-7 with a 4.48 ERA. Next up for him is a favorable home start against the Pirates.

Joe Saunders pitched seven innings of one-run ball Friday in the Mariners' 3-2 win over the A's. Saunders improved to 5-6 and lowered his ERA to 4.80. It's the first time he's been under 5.00 since mid-April. Next up for Saunders is a road start against the Angels, followed by a home outing against the Pirates. We wouldn't want him active next week; he's 1-4 with a 7.58 ERA on the road this year.

Joe Saunders allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings as the Mariners fell to the Yankees on Saturday. It was another decent start from the 31-year-old left-hander, who has now been steady in three straight outings. But he's just 4-6 with a 5.12 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, and is still too risky to be trusted in mixed leagues. Saunders will take on the A's next time out.

Joe Saunders pitched well for the second straight start Monday, tossing 6 1/3 frames of one-run ball in a 4-2 victory over the White Sox. He served up just five hits, walked one and recorded five punchouts. Saunders got into trouble on a few occasions, but the feeble White Sox offense was unable to capitalize. The southpaw has been the definition of hit-or-miss this season, allowing four or more runs on six occasions and two or fewer the other six times out. He'll get the Yankees this weekend.

Joe Saunders limited the Padres to one run and four hits in seven innings Wednesday. Saunders didn't factor into the decision after his nice night. It's the fourth time in 10 starts this season that he's allowed one or no runs. Unfortunately, he has just as many starts of allowing six or more runs, giving him a 5.57 ERA.

Joe Saunders fell to 3-5 after giving up six runs in five innings against the Rangers on Friday. The Mariners had to know Saunders would give up more than his share of homers and hits after adding him to their rotation; the surprise is that he's already walked 22 batters in 57 2/3 innings. Last year, he walked a total of 39 in 174 2/3 innings. Saunders is at best a matchup guy in AL-only leagues. He'll be worth playing next week when he gets a road start in San Diego.

Joe Saunders gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings Saturday in a no-decision against the Indians. Saunders tied a season-high by giving up 11 hits, including a solo homer by Mark Reynolds. He now has an 11.25 ERA in five starts on the road this season compared to a 0.94 ERA in four starts at home. That pretty much says it all.