Marco Gonzales nearing a return to the mound for the Mariners

Gonzales is scheduled to throw the first of two bullpen sessions on Monday.

OAKLAND — Marco Gonzales has no plans of ending his season on the disabled list. He plans to finish the marathon grind of his first full season at the big league level by trying to help the Mariners hold onto their postseason hopes with a few late starts.

On Sunday afternoon, Gonzales took one step closer to getting back into the rotation with an intense flat ground throwing session. The strained muscle in his neck that sent him to the disabled list was no longer tight and restricting.

“It’s finally loosened up,” he said. “We are definitely making steps to get back on the hill and try to get back out there and pitch in…