Mariners All-Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez was activated from the injured list and returned to the lineup as Seattle's designated hitter, batting fourth, in Sunday night's 12-1 win against the New York Mets.
Rodriguez, visibly impatient at the plate, struck out in all five appearances.
He had been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain July 21 while making a play against the center-field fence. The two-time All-Star made consistent progress in his recovery and in recent days had been testing the ankle by running.
It's unclear when Rodriguez will return to center field, but his presence in the lineup could give the Mariners a boost at a time when they are fighting the Houston Astros for American League West supremacy.
The Mariners (63-56) have won four straight games and are in a virtual tie with the Astros (62-55) atop the division.
Rodriguez started very slowly this season but batted .438 with a 1.281 OPS and three homers in his past nine games before the ankle injury. The two-time Silver Slugger and 2022 Rookie of the Year entered Sunday batting .263 with 11 homers, 37 RBIs and 18 stolen bases this season.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.