Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic returns from the injured list today, a much-needed boost following a series loss this weekend. In a corresponding move, outfielder Cade Marlowe was optioned to Triple-A. Seattle lost three of four against the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend, pushing themselves to within 2 1/2 games of the Houston Astros in the American League West.
Mariners roster moves:
? Jarred Kelenic, OF, reinstated from 10-day IL.
? Cade Marlowe, OF, optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) September 11, 2023
Jarred Kelenic’s Return
Interrupted Resurgence
Kelenic’s return comes after almost two months of being injured. On July 20th, Kelenic fractured his left foot by kicking a water cooler in frustration after a strikeout. Now, he returns to build on the positives from the first half of the season. Once a top-five prospect in the game, Kelenic went through prodigious struggles as he began his big-league career, hitting under .200 in both 2021 and 2022.
This year, however, Kelenic has been more than 50 percent better: a .252/.320/.459 slash line, good for a 110 OPS+. He dramatically increased his hard-hit rate to 49.8 percent and played solid defense in the outfield. Kelenic has shown significant improvements in 2023 from both a physical and mental standpoint. His approach at the plate has evolved, and more success has come as a result.
Tough Week in Seattle
The move could not have come at a better time for Seattle. Kelenic’s return coincides with a rough September for Seattle. The Mariners posted a 21-6 record in August, best in the AL. However, their September has not been nearly as kind. With a 3-7 record, the Mariners have gone cold at the worst time, and Kelenic should give their offense a boost.
Since the beginning of the month, Mariners hitters are only six percent better than the league average, and their pitchers have given up more than five runs per game. On Friday, Seattle held a one-game lead on the Toronto Blue Jays for the second wild card, and 2 1/2 games over the Texas Rangers. At the end of the weekend, those leads have evaporated. Now, the Mariners cling to the final Wild Card spot by just half a game. Despite Kelenic’s value, the Mariners will need more than just his addition to correct their swoon.
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The post Mariners Young Star Returns from Injury appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.