The Mariners Tuesday activated INF Ketel Marte from the 15-day disabled list and, to make room on the major league roster, optioned INF Mike Freeman to AAA Tacoma. Marte will be available Tuesday night when Seattle, 2.5 games behind Detroit for the second wild card, plays the second of three against the Tigers at Safeco Field.
Marte, 22, appeared in four games in rehab assignments with Short-A Everett and Tacoma, batting .286. In two games with Everett, Marte hit .333, and in two with the Rainiers batted .250. In 74 games with Seattle this season, he is batting .273 with 36 runs, 17 doubles, two triples, one home run and 19 RBIs. Marte was placed on the disabled list July 23 with mononucleosis.
Freeman, 29, made his Mariners debut Sunday against the Angels and collected his first MLB hit and first RBI, going 2-for-3. The Mariners claimed Freeman off waivers from Arizona Aug. 1.
The Mariners (58-53), who have won four in a row, six of seven and 12 of 19, send LHP Wade LeBlanc (1-0, 4.31) opposite LHP Daniel Norris (1-0, 4.85). The Mariners are off Thursday and begin a three-game set at Oakland Friday.
The Mariners begin play Tuesday 7.5 games behind Texas in the AL West.