SEATTLE — Start the rehab clock on Seattle Mariners outfielder Austin Jackson, who began a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday for Triple-A Tacoma against Las Vegas (Mets) at Cheney Stadium.
Jackson suffered a sprained right ankle May 3 while running out a ground ball in third inning of a 7-6 loss at Houston. He tested his recovery from the ankle in recent days through a increasingly strenuous series of drills.
Rehab assignments can last up to 20 days for non-pitchers, but Jackson is expected to return within a week. He is eligible for activation as soon as Tuesday’s series opener at Baltimore.
“We’ll see,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “One thing I want is I want him swinging well when he comes back.”
Jackson, 28, was batting just .242 through 25 games at the time of his injury but had started 23 of 25 games in center field.
The Mariners face an interesting roster decision when they activate Jackson.
Do they send utilityman Brad Miller to the minors to hone his outfield skills or jettison a veteran such as Dustin Ackley, Willie Bloomquist, Justin Ruggiano or Rickie Weeks?
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