PEORIA, Ariz. -- Mariners top prospect Jarred Kelenic is progressing from the Grade 2 adductor strain in his left knee that he sustained on March 6 and is on track to return to Cactus League play this week, Mariners manager Scott Servais said on Monday.
Kelenic’s health and how he performs during the final weeks of Spring Training are among the factors that will determine if he breaks camp on the 26-man big league roster on April 1.
“I'm leaning on the training staff here,” Servais said. “They're directing this one and making sure he's good to go. We all know that the young players are really anxious and excited and nobody more so than Jarred. He wants to get out there and do his thing. We certainly don't want to hold them back, but we are letting the medical staff take the lead.”
MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 prospect was injured coming out of the batter’s box in his first plate appearance against the White Sox earlier this month. He has been hitting on the field, playing catch and is expected to get live at-bats in simulated games before returning to Cactus League action.
The 21-year-old has two hits, including a home run, in eight at-bats this spring. He has also driven in two runs. Kelenic is in big league camp as a non-roster invitee for the second straight season and spent the 2020 season at Seattle’s alternate training site.
Paxton pitches in simulated game
James Paxton pitched in a simulated game and did not make his scheduled Cactus League debut in Monday's 6-2 loss to the D-backs because of personal reasons related to scheduling, the team announced.
"He threw great today," Servais said. "I thought Paxton was right on top of it, getting on the mound and landing his breaking balls. He looks good. He's ready to go. Looking forward to getting him into some live competition against another team."
Ljay Newsome replaced Paxton and allowed one run on two hits in 3 2/3 innings against Arizona. He struck out three and walked one.
"Newsome really threw the ball well," Servais said. "He's really improved. I tip my hat to him. He went into the offseason and tightened up his breaking ball and secondary pitches. He's always had great command of his fastball."
The starter switch is not a health-related issue and Paxton remains on track to pitch in a Cactus League game on his next turn. The Mariners have been using Paxton in simulated games due to scheduling and logistics purposes.
The veteran is expected to slot into the No. 2 spot in the Mariners’ rotation, behind Marco Gonzales and ahead of Justus Sheffield, Chris Flexen and Yusei Kikuchi. Justin Dunn and Nick Margevicius could also be contenders as the club is expected to use a six-man rotation.
Paxton, who was drafted by the Mariners and spent six seasons with the club from 2013-18, will earn $8.5 million in salary, with performance incentives that could take his deal to $10 million based on the number of games he pitches.
Elías considering options
Left-handed pitcher Roenis Elías is still considering his options after suffering a serious injury to the elbow and forearm area of his throwing arm.
The exact nature of the injury has not been made public, but pitchers with serious elbow/forearm injuries often choose to rehab or have corrective surgery.
“I do not have an update yet on which direction Elías is going to go,” Servais said. “I know he's still talking to multiple other doctors to try to figure out the best course of action to go to with his injury. So that's where we're at.”
The 32-year-old was removed from the fourth inning on Thursday against the Dodgers after facing only one hitter because of arm discomfort. He is vying for one of the open spots in the eight-man bullpen.
Roster moves announced
The Mariners announced a series of roster moves at Major League camp on Monday.
• Right-handed pitchers Brandon Brennan and Wyatt Mills were optioned to the alternate site.
• RHP Sam Delaplane was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
• RHPs Nick Duron, Emerson Hancock, George Kirby, Darren McCaughan, Jaime Schultz, left-handed pitcher Brandon Williamson, catchers Carter Bins and Josh Morgan and infielder Jordan Cowan were reassigned to Minor League camp.
Following those moves, the Mariners have 63 players in their Major League camp.