DETROIT -- The Mariners returned their lineup to full strength on Tuesday, as shortstop Jean Segura was activated from the 10-day disabled list after being sidelined the past two weeks with a strained right hamstring.
"He's ready to play and get after it," said manager Scott Servais. "He's a welcome sight. We like how he plays and he's off to a great start, so it's good to have him back."
Segura, who hit .313 in his first eight games, will resume his leadoff role for a team that went 6-6 during his absence, with utility man Taylor Motter filling in.
Motter is expected to continue getting significant playing time at various positions, but Segura's return provides a key component to Seattle's offensive attack, as he was the club's biggest offseason acquisition.
The 27-year-old posted a .319/.368/.499 line with 20 homers, 64 RBIs and 33 stolen bases last year for the D-backs while leading the National League with 203 hits.
Segura was off to a strong start with Seattle as well -- one of the few Mariners players who produced offensively during a rough season-opening road trip, as he put up a .313/.353/.406 line with one homer, three RBIs, three stolen bases and six runs scored before hurting his hamstring in the team's home opener.
Segura said the leg feels better, but he'll be cautious not to overdo things initially.
"This is my first game coming back, so as a player you have to be smart," he said. "I'll try to do the best I can to be smart running the bases, but it's tough to do because you don't want to hesitate in a ballgame. I'll keep that mentality for the first 4-5 games to get that confidence back. But I'm ready to play and contribute to the team."
Segura went 1-for-11 with a walk in three rehab games for Double-A Arkansas last weekend, playing one game at designated hitter and two at shortstop to test his leg.
Segura wasn't worried about those numbers, saying he hit several line drives right at people and felt his timing was fine at the plate. He's more concerned about getting back now to help a ballclub that struggled out of the gate.
"I was watching the boys," he said. "That was a tough series in Oakland, but a good game Sunday. We're going to get going. We have a pretty good baseball team and it's all there. We just have to be together and we'll be fine."
The Mariners had already opened room for Segura on the 25-man roster by optioning utility infielder Mike Freeman to Triple-A Tacoma on Monday.