Despite being held out of his scheduled rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Tacoma because of soggy field conditions at Cheney Stadium, the Mariners activated center fielder Leonys Martin from the 15-day disabled list Friday.
Utility infielder Luis Sardinas was optioned to Tacoma in a corresponding move to make room on the 25-man roster.
Martin's much-needed return comes as the Mariners open a three-game series against the division-leading Rangers on Friday night at Safeco Field. Martins will hit ninth and play center field.
It will mark the 28-year-old's first game action since he strained his left hamstring May 25 against the Athletics.