Mariners’ Lewis to start rehab stint and play ‘lots’ in OF, France update

The Mariners are missing a number of key bats right now due to injury, but it looks like two of those hitters are nearing a return to the lineup.

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During his pregame press conference on Sunday, Mariners manager Scott Servais provided updates on outfielder Kyle Lewis and first baseman Ty France.

Kyle Lewis beginning his rehab assignment

After starting the season on the injured list as he rehabbed from a torn meniscus suffered last year, Lewis returned to the Mariners and slugged two home runs in four games as Seattle’s designated hitter.

But his return to action was short-lived as he was hit in the head with a pitch as his helmet fell off on May 28. Lewis suffered a concussion and hasn’t played since.

But Lewis is returning to game action as soon as Sunday, Servais said.

“Kyle Lewis is going to head out on a rehab assignment. He’ll head to Tacoma and hopefully get him going there,” he said, adding that Lewis may be in the Rainiers’ lineup on Sunday.

Lewis’ stint in Tacoma may be fairly lengthy, Servais said.

“He’ll be there a while. He needs to get out and play make sure he feels good and get his timing with his swing, get out in the outfield, do a bunch of different stuff,” he said.

Lewis playing in the outfield is notable as he’d only been a designated hitter for the Mariners when he played those four games. When asked how much outfield Lewis will be playing going forward, Servais said “lots.”

Ty France could return this weekend

France is eligible to return from the injured list on Monday against the San Diego Padres, but Servais said that likely won’t be happening.

“I don’t think we will be activating him tomorrow,” he said. “I know he’s from San Diego and he’d love to do that, but he’s probably not quite ready yet.”

France suffered a left elbow sprain when A’s infielder Sheldon Neuse collided with him at first base, stretching France’s arm awkwardly. He left the game after that play and hasn’t played since.

While France probably won’t be back in the Mariners’ lineup on Monday, he may be back and playing very soon.

“He’s getting close,” Servais said. “We’ll wait and see how things progress with him today and tomorrow. There’s maybe an outside chance we can get him over the weekend … He has to get out on the field and hit against some velocity and see what that feels like.”

Mariners’ Sunday lineup vs Oakland

Julio Rodríguez, CF
Jesse Winker, LF
Eugenio Suárez, 3B
Carlos Santana, 1B
Cal Raleigh, C
Abraham Toro, DH
Justin Upton, RF
Adam Frazier, 2B
Dylan Moore, SS

Robbie Ray, SP

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