Mariners Recall Once-Prized Prospect For Another Shot

It was less than a month ago that he was passed over for promotion, leading the Seattle Mariners' former prized prospect Jarred Kelenic to signal his frustration with the Seattle Mariners by wiping his social media clean of all references to the organization. 

Three weeks later, he's back in the big leagues once again. And manager Scott Servais is hoping for big things from the 23-year-old, similar to the hot stretch he had last September, when he exploded for 7 HR and 20 RBIs in a blazing run to finish the season.

Jarred Kelenic on his return:

“Whatever I can to help this team win. Whatever they need me to do. If they need me to pitch, I'll be ready to pitch.”

— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) September 21, 2022

“Whatever I can to help this team win. Whatever they need me to do. If they need me to pitch, I'll be ready to pitch," said Kelenic about his promotion.

“I think the one thing that stood out for me last year in September for Jarred was he was totally focused on doing whatever helped us win the game that day. That’s what happens in September,” Servais said. “When Jarred is in that mode, like a lot of players, they play much better. They play free … and hopefully that’s what we see from him.”

Kelenic was demoted for the second time this season back in early August. He'd compiled an anemic .124 batting average in 40 games with the M's this year, with an equally disastrous .452 OPS and four home runs. That followed a disappointing rookie campaign in 2021 when he batted .181, coming in as a much-ballyhooed top prospect. 

His performance at Triple-A this season showed great improvement, including bringing down his strikeouts considerably, while hitting .295 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs. He was hitting .350 in his last 21 games with Tacoma before the recall.

Photos: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports, Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports