Mariners recall former top prospect Jesus Montero

Jesus Montero, a former top prospect for the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, has been recalled by the Seattle Mariners for the first time since his 50-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.

The Mariners had an open roster spot after outfielder Michael Saunders was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury and Montero was one of the limited choices they had to choose from, the AP reports.

Seattle Manager Lloyd McClendon told the AP that Montero would be used against left-handed pitchers and as a designated hitter.

“I think he’s trying to get things back together, He’s been working hard and he’s actually been swing the bat better than the numbers indicated down there,” McClendon said. “For me he was the logical choice… It made sense to bring this young man and give him an opportunity.”

In the past six games at Triple-A Tacoma, Montero was 3-for-19 without an RBI, The News Tribune reports.

Montero told The News Tribune that he’s a changed person.

“The biggest thing I learned (at Tacoma),” Montero said, “was how good it is to be in the big leagues. I’ve got to respect the game. I’ve got to do my best to be here all life and to help the team to win. That’s what I learned.”

Montero received a 50-game suspension for allegedly obtaining performance-enhancing drugs from the Biogenesis, a health clinic in Florida. His suspension went from the middle of July to the end of the season.

Montero was traded from the Yankees in 2012 for pitchers Michael Pineda, Jose Campos, and Hector Noesi.

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