SEATTLE -- Alex Rodriguez is close to getting back in the Seattle Mariners lineup.

	Rodriguez

The All-Star shortstop, on the disabled list with a sprained right knee, took ground balls and did some hitting and running before Seattle played Texas on Friday night.

Rodriguez and trainer Rick Griffin agreed Friday that he has a chance to play here Monday night against Oakland.

On Saturday, Rodriguez took batting practice and worked on his lateral movement before the game against Texas. The Mariners said they expect him to be activated Monday or Tuesday.

"By Monday, I'll be in the lineup," Rodriguez said. "I'm getting a little frustrated sitting around waiting, but we have to do what's best for the team."

Griffin said Rodriguez met with Dr. Larry Pedegana, the Mariners medical director, and Pedegana told him he should be ready to play "in three or four days." He said Rodriguez probably is running at 70 percent and the Mariners hope to get him up to 80 to 85 percent the next two or three days.

Rodriguez was eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday.

"There was no pain hitting today," Rodriguez said. "The only time my knee hurts is when I'm making the turn at first base. The doctor says for the first three weeks that I'll probably have some pain there."

Rodriguez was placed on the DL July 14, retroactive to July 8, with a ligament sprain. He was injured July 7 when he tried to break up a double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers and he was hit in the head by the knee of shortstop Alex Cora.

Rodriguez also suffered a concussion on the play and had to miss the All-Star Game in Atlanta.

With Rodriguez sidelined, the Mariners are 6-4, 4-4 since the All-Star break.

Carlos Guillen has replaced Rodriguez at shortstop.

"We've done a very, very acceptable job of holding it together," manager Lou Piniella said. "Guillen has done a nice job for us, but how do you replace Alex? You don't."

Rodriguez is hitting .345 in 84 games with 24 home runs, 84 runs scored and 78 RBI.