Free agent Ichiro set to return to Seattle

That could open a spot for Ichiro Suzuki, and a deal with the Mariners might be close.

Suzuki was the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year for Seattle in 2001 and remained a fan favorite until he was traded away in 2012. The 44-year-old Suzuki spent the past three seasons in Miami, batting .255 last year and starting 23 times in the outfield.

In 2016, Suzuki was part of unique trio in the Marlins’ dugout. Then-manager Don Mattingly, then-hitting coach Barry Bonds, and Suzuki composed the most accomplished three left-handed hitters ever to share the same dugout.

Gamel hit .275 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs in 134 games last year during his first full season in the majors.

The Mariners were hopeful Gamel would miss only a few days, but an MRI showed a more extensive problem. He first felt the injury after batting practice late last week.

Gamel joined a growing list of banged-up Mariners. Seattle has already seen first baseman Ryon Healy (hand), outfielder Mitch Haniger (hand) and pitcher Felix Hernandez (bruised forearm) slowed by injuries during spring training.