Marte optimistic about quick return

SEATTLE — Ketel Marte hadn’t seen the team doctor yet as he sat at his locker prior to Monday’s game against the A’s as the Mariners returned to Safeco Field to open an eight-game homestand without their promising young shortstop, but the 22-year-old said his sprained left thumb was already improving and he remains optimistic about spending just the minimum 15 days on the disabled list.

“I’m feeling better,” Marte said prior to having the hand further examined by Mariners physician Edward Khalfayan. “They checked me when it happened [Saturday in Cincinnati] and said nothing was broken, but it’ll be a little sore for a couple days. I’m hoping maybe Friday I’ll take [batting practice], depending on how I feel.”

Manager Scott Servais isn’t so sure on that timeline. Marte isn’t eligible to return from the DL until June 6, so there’s no point pushing the issue prematurely after the youngster jammed his hand sliding into second base.

“It’s just going to take some time to heal and get the swelling out and we’ll go from there,” Servais said. “I don’t anticipate him doing a whole lot here, probably not any baseball activity this homestand.”

With Marte out, Servais said he’ll use both …

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