SS Jean Segura returns from DL, hitting leadoff for Mariners vs Tigers

Just 20 days after Jean Segura suffered a high ankle sprain that was originally expected to keep him out of action for at least a month, he’s back in the lineup playing shortstop and hitting leadoff for the Mariners.

The M’s activated Segura from the 10-day disabled list before Wednesday’s 7:10 game against the Detroit Tigers on 710 ESPN Seattle, optioning infielder Tyler Smith to Triple-A Tacoma to make room on the active roster.

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“Excited about having him in there,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “Don’t think he’s maybe quite at 100 percent yet. … He feels good physically, he ran the bases yesterday fine, so he’ll be in the lineup.”

Segura appeared in two rehab games with Tacoma on Monday and Tuesday.

With Segura back, the hot-hitting Ben Gamel is bumped down to the second spot, while Mitch Haniger will hit seventh in a Mariners lineup that has a considerable amount more length than previously seen this season. Servais said Gamel and Haniger will alternate in the No. 2 spot based on pitching matchups.

Gamel was Seattle’s main leadoff man in Segura’s absense and has even built a 12-game hitting streak that is the longest active streak in the American League.

Smith hit 3 for 16 with a double, RBI, two runs scored and a walk in 10 games with the M’s.

On the mound Wednesday will be James Paxton, who will look to shake off back-to-back short outings. Detroit will counter with 2011 AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.

Here are the full lineups.

Mariners (36-37)

Jean Segura, SS
Ben Gamel, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Danny Valencia, 1B
Mitch Haniger, RF
Mike Zunino, C
Jarrod Dyson, CF

James Paxton, LHP

Tigers (32-38)

Ian Kinsler, 2B
Nick Castellanos, 3B
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
J.D. Martinez, RF
Justin Upton, LF
John Hicks, DH
Mikie Mahtook, CF
James McCann, C
Jose Iglesias, SS

Justin Verlander, RHP

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