PEORIA, Arizona. – Seattle Mariners’ top contender Jarred Kelenic will be sidelined due to a strained adductor muscle in his left knee.
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said an MRI scan on Saturday revealed the injury. No schedule was provided for the return of the outfielder.
“Although disappointed by Jarred’s departure, we are relieved that the long-term outlook is positive,” said Dipoto. “We all hope to see you back on the field in the near future.”
Kelenic appeared injured during his first hitting attempt on Friday against the Chicago White Sox. Kelenic made a mistake, but looked uncomfortable after reaching first base. Kelenic remained in the game and was replaced one entry later.
Kelenic, 21, who made Seattle’s first home run in spring training earlier this week against the Cubs, has been in the spotlight during spring training.
Kelenic’s arrival in the majors was part of the comments made by former team president and CEO Kevin Mather, who indicated that Seattle was considering manipulating Kelenic’s tenure.
Kelenic and his agent attacked the Mariners in comments made to USA Today after Mather’s resignation last month. After homering earlier this week, Kelenic said he is using those words as motivation.
“I am a competitor,” said Kelenic. “I’m a very motivated person as I am. Having said that, you know, something like that comes up, and I think you can see it in two ways: One, you can sit and pout, or you can use it as motivation and let it take me even further. This is where I am. Every day I’m letting it lead me. “