The Seattle Mariners are working to finalize a one-year contract agreement with Ichiro Suzuki, according to a source.
USA Today first reported that the two sides were close to a deal.
The Mariners announced on Monday that Ben Gamel will miss four to six weeks with an oblique injury, jeopardizing his availability for Opening Day. The club has seen a number of players slowed by injury this month, potentially making room for Ichiro.
He is Seattle's all-time leader in batting average (.322) and hits (2,533).