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Seattle is hoping Nori Aoki will return to the club in 2017, according to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune.
The Mariners signed Aoki to a one-year, $5.5 million deal last off-season but he struggled through the first few months of the season. As a result, the Mariners optioned him to Triple-A at the end of June.
Aoki’s contract includes an option for next season, but he would have to receive about 60 more at-bats in order for it to be exercised. Since the Mariners will likely face numerous right-handed arms toward the end of the season, there is a good chance Aoki remains with Seattle in 2017.
More from around the American League West:
- Carlos Carrasco is out for the season with a broken hand, but the Indians likely have enough depth to have success this October.
- Alex Bregman might be done for the year as a result of a hamstring issue.
- Felix Hernandez’s lower body strength has enabled him to have success to this point in his career.
- Although its been a down season for the Athletics, their rookie hitters have played well of late.
- Garrett Richards is progressing, which is good news for the Angels.