Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez likely will take his tender hamstring to the designated hitter slot, pushing Jose Vidro to the bench. The move will help keep both veterans healthy with the team looking to stay in contention as the long season wears on.
Vidro -- who has a history of nagging problems with his lower extremities as well -- looks to be the key bat in reserve.
The move will be made possible by the emergence of 21-year-old rookie Adam Jones, a 2003, No. 37 overall pick who is hitting at better than a .300 clip with power at Triple A Tacoma. He has been compared to former Mariners center fielder Mike Cameron.
Jones' long anticipated arrival is imminent, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Jones has a cannon for an arm and has won high marks for his defensive play in center field at Tacoma. Opposing hitters will not enjoy seeing Jones side by side in the outfield with Ichiro Suzuki.
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