DETROIT -- Mariners utility infielder Mike Freeman, who started the past two games in place of the injured Kyle Seager, was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Monday.
No corresponding roster move was announced, but the club is expected to activate shortstop Jean Segura off the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday when it opens a three-game series against the Tigers at Comerica Park.
The 29-year-old Freeman hit .111 (2-for-18) with three runs, one home run and one RBI in eight games after being called up from Tacoma on April 11 when Segura strained his right hamstring in the Mariners' home opener.
Segura played three games for Double-A Arkansas over the weekend and is now ready to return, and the club also has another utility player on the roster in Taylor Motter, who filled in at shortstop in place of Segura during his absence.
Seager was limited to one pinch-hitting appearance in the last two games due to a sore hip, but he indicated on Sunday that he expects to be fine by Tuesday's series opener.
Freeman hit .333 (4-for-12) in three games with Tacoma before being promoted. He played 13 games with the Mariners last year and hit .385 (5-for-13) after being acquired off waivers from the D-backs.
Aro suspended 50 games
Jonathan Aro, a right-handed reliever with Triple-A Tacoma, received a 50-game suspension without pay on Monday after violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Aro was in big league camp this spring and posted a 6.57 ERA in 10 Cactus League outings, but he had not pitched this season after being reassigned to Minor League camp on March 31. The 26-year-old was acquired from the Red Sox in 2015 and pitched one game for the Mariners last year, allowing one hit and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. He had a 2.48 ERA last season in 24 games at Tacoma.