The Mariners took another step toward getting their lineup back to full strength on Tuesday, activating Randy Arozarena from the 10-day injured list prior to the start of their three-game series against the Pirates at PNC Park. Connor Joe was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move.
Arozarena, who was in Tuesday's lineup as the designated hitter batting fifth, ended up spending the minimum amount of time on the IL with a left hamstring strain.
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.
A pending free agent, Arozarena needs to pick up the pace in the home run department if he’s going to post his sixth consecutive 20-20 campaign, but he’s otherwise having a strong year. The 31-year-old recorded a .291/.377/.448 slash with seven homers, 33 RBIs and 19 steals in 71 games before going on the IL, and he leads the Mariners with 2.6 WAR (per Baseball Reference).
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.