Many knew the day would come that the former top prospect, would make his return to the MLB. Well, the time has come. The Mariners are recalling Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Tacoma.
Earlier this year when he was in the MLB, Kelenic struggled to get his bat going. He did not look comfortable no matter what he tried, and no matter how many times he was penciled into the starting lineup. The 22-year-old outfielder was hitting .140 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 30 games.
“He knows it’s critical for him to be a big part of our offense for us to do well, how we’re built out. And he wants to get it going right as quick as he can and knows maybe he does need to step back and get an environment that’s going to allow him to do that.”
Scott Servais, May 14th
The latter part is exactly what he’s been able to do with the Rainiers, just have fun playing the game he loves. The Mariner’s former top prospect was sent down on May 14th, hoping he could figure it out.
In a corresponding move, the Seattle Mariners have sent Julio Rodriguez and Dylan Moore to the IL. They have also selected the contract of Jack Larsen who will start in Right Field in his MLB debut.
Jarred has appeared in 53 games with Tacoma this season batting .289 with 33 runs, 20 doubles, 3 triples, and 11 home runs. The biggest concern with him was his strikeout numbers which have reduced during his time in Tacoma. Kelenic struck out 59 times and walked 20 in 252 plate appearances. Though in the last 182 Plate appearances he has only struck out at an 18.7% clip.
Jack Larsen, who was selected from Arkansas has hit .260 with 59 runs, 18 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 37 RBI’s and 6 walks this season in Double-A. Jarred Kelenic will arrive in Houston minutes before the game, and could take over in the outfield as soon as he gets there. The Mariners may also may not put him into the lineup until tomorrow.
Losing Julio’s production in the lineup is something the Mariners never wanted to see, but they are hoping its only for a short time. The X-Rays came back negative on his wrist, and he will have tests within the coming days.
Northwest Sports Desk 