Mike Zunino (oblique) expected back for Mariners by Friday

Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (oblique) is expected back for Friday's series opener against the Texas Rangers.

What It Means:

Zunino has played two rehab games with High-A Modesto and will catch tonight. Assuming all goes well, the plan has been for him to return to action on Friday versus the Rangers. Mike Marjama and David Freitas have been splitting work behind the plate for Seattle with Zunino on the shelf.

numberFire's models project Zunino for a .230 batting average with 20 homers, 49 runs scored, and 56 RBI over 419 plate appearances remaining this season.

Source: Greg Johns