Sources: Julio Rodriguez expected to return to Mariners' lineup

Mariners All-Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez is expected to be activated from the injured list and return to the lineup as Seattle's designated hitter for Sunday night's game against the New York Mets , sources told ESPN.

Rodriguez has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain July 21 while making a play against the center-field fence. The two-time All-Star has made consistent progress in his recovery and in recent days has been testing the ankle by running.

It's unclear when Rodriguez will return to center field, but his presence in the lineup could give the Mariners a boost at a time when they are fighting the Houston Astros for AL West supremacy.

The Mariners (62-56), who have won three straight games, enter Sunday in a virtual tie with the Astros (61-55) atop the division.

Rodriguez started very slowly this season, but batted .438 with a 1.281 OPS and three homers in his last nine games before the ankle injury. The two-time Silver Slugger and 2022 Rookie of the Year is batting .263 with 11 homers, 37 RBIs and 18 stolen bases this season.