PEORIA, Ariz. -- Jarred Kelenic returned to the Peoria Sports Complex backfields and put on another impressive show in batting practice, as he’s done a few times throughout Mariners Spring Training. This session carried more weight, though, given that the Mariners’ No. 1 prospect was testing his knee, thigh and quad area in his first on-field BP after sustaining a Grade 2 adductor strain nine days prior.

Kelenic, who had been hitting in the cages and playing catch this week, said he hasn’t experienced pain in the area the past few days. His recovery has gone faster than the Mariners had initially anticipated, and at this rate, he’ll likely be inserted back into Cactus League games well before the Spring Training slate ends on March 30.

Kelenic has just eight at-bats this spring, and the Mariners have said that they want the 21-year-old to accumulate more reps against opposing pitching before he joins the big league team during the regular season.

Shed Long Jr. also hit on the field for the first time since the Mariners slowed down the second baseman’s rehab from shin surgery last September. Long has yet to appear in a Cactus game, and given his timeline and the way that the injury has responded, he’ll likely be headed to the alternate training site in Tacoma when big league camp breaks. That would keep him close to the Major League athletic training staff.

With the Triple-A Tacoma season not beginning until May 6, Seattle could always send Long down to Minor League Spring Training to get game at-bats when he’s fully recovered.

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Also from the trainer’s room, outfielder Jake Fraley was scratched from Sunday’s lineup after colliding with the left-field wall in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to the Rockies. Fraley had the wind knocked out of him, but he remained in the game for his second at-bat, then left after the fourth inning. Servais anticipated that Fraley might return for Monday’s game against the D-backs.

Kikuchi hits 97, fans six

Yusei Kikuchi dialed it up to 97 mph, threw his cutter with more conviction, dropped in some crisp sliders and struck out six, including five in a row in Sunday’s 5-4 win over the Brewers.

The left-hander ran into his pitch count two outs shy of completing four innings at 66 pitches and was responsible for a runner on first when he left; the runner went on to score after Wyatt Mills came on in relief. But it was an overall strong day for the third-year big leaguer, who the Mariners believe is poised for a “breakout” in 2021.

“I wouldn't say it was the best I’ve felt all spring, but that third inning felt locked in,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I had everything working that inning. I think I'm making good progress, and I think I'm just going to keep getting better from here on out.”

Elías’ injury 'serious'
Reliever Roenis Elías’ forearm injury is more severe than the club had initially hoped. An MRI revealed a forearm and elbow issue that the left-hander will have multiple doctors examine in the coming days to determine his next steps.

Elías entered camp a favorite to earn one of the five open spots in the bullpen, particularly after he looked sharp in the first two weeks. He has multi-inning ability and knows the organization, with this being his third stint in Seattle.

The 32-year-old’s status could open the door for other relievers who’ve been on fringe consideration to break camp, such as Rule 5 Draft pick Will Vest, Taylor Guerrieri, Drew Steckenrider, Joey Gerber and Mills. Bullpen clarity doesn’t typically come until the final two weeks of camp, when opposing hitters are from “A” lineups and remaining in games longer than the 1-2 at-bats they’ve been taking to this point.

Elías left Thursday’s 4-4 tie against the Dodgers after recording just one out. He immediately called for Servais and trainers and left with little discussion.

Teams will no longer 'roll' innings
With all Cactus League games moving from seven to nine innings beginning on Sunday -- unless both clubs opt for shorter games, which the Mariners will prefer not to -- the option to “roll” innings has also been eliminated. And with Opening Day just two and a half weeks away, the club is OK gearing up for more game-like situations.

If a starter is in a jam but still has plenty of pitches left, Seattle can bring in a reliever mid-inning, then let that starter return to finish his work the following inning, which is a new option in this year’s Spring Training rules.