Prior to Friday's game with Kansas City, the Mariners accentuated their bullpen with a veteran lefty they hope will be able to help in their chase toward an AL Wild Card spot.

Sean Doolittle, claimed off waivers from the Reds on Thursday, was added to the mix after appearing in 45 games in 2021 for Cincinnati. Doolittle is the latest veteran arm added to a Seattle bullpen that also acquired right-hander Joe Smith at the Trade Deadline.

The addition of another veteran reliever is something manager Scott Servais believes could be a boost to the relief corps.

“There really is [value], and I think all those guys have been through the grind of pitching in August, deep into September and, many of them, in October,” Servais said. “Understanding what your body feels like and how to work through those things, it's a nice resource to have down there for some of our younger pitchers that haven't gone through it quite as much.”

But the adds of Doolittle and Smith are looked at as more than mentor pieces. Both have postseason experience, which the Mariners hope helps them close the gap between themselves and the Red Sox in the Wild Card hunt, a gap that was 3 1/2 games heading into play Friday.

Doolittle and Smith have each pitched in the postseason in five seasons. Doolittle has a 2.42 ERA in 22 1/3 innings in the playoffs and most recently notched two saves during the Nationals' 2019 World Series run.

Smith, meanwhile, has a 2.57 ERA in 14 innings in the playoffs.

“I think there's a lot of value in adding experience,” Servais said. “Now they need to perform. There's no question about that. You can have all the experience in the world you want, but guys still need to perform. I like the additions. I think they're really good guys. ... [I got] the chance to talk to Doolittle today. I know he's got a little something to prove. So I think it's a great fit for us.”

Lewis to work out Friday
Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis was scheduled to go through a workout pregame on Friday. The workout could help determine if he is ready to begin his rehab assignment this weekend, a goal the Mariners were eager to see realized.

“I'm hopeful,” Servais said of the possibility of Lewis starting a rehab assignment soon. “We'll have to wait and see. We'll probably know a little bit more after he goes through the workout today.”

The 26-year-old has not played since May 31 after suffering a torn right meniscus. Lewis would likely begin his rehab assignment as a designated hitter and eventually transition to playing the field.

On Aug. 13, Lewis took a step forward in his rehab by taking batting practice, which marked his first baseball activity since he was placed on the IL on June 1.

He also had the start to his '21 season delayed to April 20 after dealing with a bone bruise in late March. Lewis batted .246 with a .726 OPS with five home runs and 11 RBIs in 36 games before going down with the meniscus injury.