Mariners activate shortstop Marte off disabled list
Published 6:15 pm Tuesday, August 9, 2016
By Bob Dutton
The News Tribune
SEATTLE — Still lighter than before but, apparently in game shape, shortstop Ketel Marte returned Tuesday to the Seattle Mariners’ active roster after just three weeks after being diagnosed with mononucleosis.
Marte, 22, was 4-for-14 in four rehab games over the last week — two at Short-A Everett and two at Triple-A Tacoma. He played all nine innings at shortstop Monday for the Rainiers in their 4-0 victory over Sacramento (Giants).
“I feel really good,” he said. “I’m healthy now. I feel like I’m 100 percent ready to play. I played nine innings, and my energy level was good. I think I’m ready to go. I feel like normal.”
The Mariners cleared space for Marte on their 25-man roster by optioning utilityman Mike Freeman back to Tacoma. Freeman, 29, went 2-for-6 in two games after being recalled prior to Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.
Marte lost 22 pounds during his illness and has only gained 14 back.
“The big thing,” manager Scott Servais said, “is we’re going to try not to run him out there eight, nine or 10 consecutive days. He’ll play a couple and then get a day off. Keep him fresh and sharp as we go down the stretch.”
Marte batted .273 with a .299 on-base percentage in 74 games prior to being diagnosed with mononucleosis after a July 17 game against Houston. He previously missed 13 games because of a sprained left thumb.
The move shifts Shawn O’Malley back into a utility role. The Mariners are 15-6 when he starts at shortstop.
