Mariners get Arozarena (hamstring strain) back from IL

PITTSBURGH -- The Mariners got one of their big hitters back on Tuesday, when left fielder Randy Arozarena was activated from the injured list before the opener of a three-game series against the Pirates at PNC Park. Outfielder Connor Joe was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma as the corresponding move.

Arozarena, who was in Tuesday's lineup as the designated hitter batting fifth, had been sidelined since June 13 due to a left hamstring strain. He was slashing .291/.377/.448 with seven home runs and 19 stolen bases in 71 games at the time of injury.

Manager Dan Wilson wanted to ease Arozarena back in the lineup by using him as DH, with Victor Robles starting in left field.

“It’s always good having Randy in the lineup,” Wilson said.

Luke Raley was also back in the starting lineup on Tuesday for the first time in seven games after dealing with an illness, though Seattle held out Dominic Canzone after the outfielder exited Sunday's game with a right hamstring issue.

Arozarena is the third member of Seattle's starting lineup to return from the injured list in recent days, joining catcher Cal Raleigh and infielder J.P. Crawford. The club avoided another major injury issue last week when center fielder Julio Rodríguez was able to return from a left hamstring spasm after missing only one game.

The last time Seattle had Raleigh, Crawford and Arozarena all in the starting lineup was May 13.