SEATTLE – Two Seattle Mariners who have spent most of this season on the injured list are close to starting rehab assignments.

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General manager Justin Hollander on Friday said reliever Gregory Santos and second baseman Ryan Bliss are expected to begin rehab stints soon, with Santos potentially making a September return to the major leagues.

After his rehab process was interrupted by a roughly two to 2 1/2 week shutdown due to personal reasons, Santos has been throwing competitive bullpens in Arizona. The right-hander has been out of action since having knee surgery in April.

Hollander said the club has a mid-September return “written in pencil” for Santos.

“Had a really good week last week,” Hollander said.

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