Seattle Mariners Could Activate Key Outfielder "Any Day Now"

The Seattle Mariners could reportedly activate outfielder Jarred Kelenic from the injured list "any day now," according to President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto.

He made the comments on Seattle Sports 710 on Thursday morning and Shannon Drayer of 710 had the information on social media:

Dipoto on Kelenic,

"He appears to be raking."

"I don't suspect it is going to be too much longer. Could be any day now. It's also we're 3000 miles away and I'm not sure it is the appropriate thing to do, send him cross country. Minimally, I think you will see him next week."

Dipoto on Kelenic,

"He appears to be raking."

"I don't suspect it is going to be too much longer. Could be any day now. It's also we're 3000 miles away and I'm not sure it is the appropriate thing to do, send him cross country. Minimally, I think you will see him next week."
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) September 7, 2023

Kelenic has been out with a broken foot since mid-July. He suffered the injury after kicking a water cooler after a strikeout against the Minnesota Twins. He's gone 9-for-21 on his rehab assignment with a home run.

His return will be a welcome one for a Mariners team that is battling for its second consecutive playoff berth. Kelenic is hitting .252 this season with 11 home runs, 45 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He also plays good outfield, runs the bases well and provides solid energy.

It will be interesting to see how the Mariners divvy up the playing time though, as the team has used Julio Rodriguez, Teoscar Hernandez, Dom Canzone, Cade Marlowe and Dylan Moore out there in Kelenic's absence. Every player has contributed and the team may not want to immediately give every at-bat back to Kelenic, but he certainly has the highest upside out of Canzone, Moore, and Marlowe.

The Mariners currently hold the second wild card spot in the American League and will play the Rays on Thursday night at 6:40 p.m. ET.

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