After almost two months on the shelf with a fractured foot, Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic is ready, healthy, locked, and loaded.
In fact, the team announced on Monday that he will be rejoining them.
Fellow outfielder Cade Marlowe has been sent to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
For a brief period in April, Kelenic made us believe that this would be the year of his much-awaited breakout.
He hit seven of his 11 home runs in April.
He went cold after that and hit just four more up until the moment he kicked that water cooler and that pushed the “pause” button on his season.
Still, Mariners fans are eager to see if he can recapture the form that made us all believe 2023 could be the year for him.
A big welcome home to @jarredkelenic ! Cannot wait to see you on the field once again. https://t.co/QbqGl2wT0K
— Daily Jarred Kelenic (@DailyKelenic) September 11, 2023
It's time for battle! Welcome Back Jarred Kelenic! @jarredkelenic@Mariners@MLB #SeaUsRise #Believe pic.twitter.com/pFBWVwRGj3
— playmaker (@playmaker09) September 11, 2023
The expectations have been so high for Kelenic that he has become that player everybody wants to see succeed.
He has put in the work and, in general, has been much better in 2023 (.759 OPS, 11 home runs, 12 stolen bases) than he was in the past (.615 OPS in 2021, .534 in 2022).
KELENIC IS BACK BABY
— John Stanton hater (@Bigdumperfan) September 11, 2023
Seattle happens to be in the middle of a playoff race as things stand.
Not only are they looking to remain one of the Wild Card teams, but they also have a chance at winning the AL West as they are just 2.5 games behind the Houston Astros in the standings.
In any case, having Kelenic and his immense upside can definitely help the Mariners secure its main organizational objective in 2023: get into the October party.
NEXT: Mariners Share Positive Jarred Kelenic Update