Mariners GM: Jesus Montero has lost 40 pounds

Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik expressed disappointment when Jesus Montero arrived at spring training last February roughly 40 pounds overweight, admitting shortly thereafter that he no longer had any expectations for the fallen prospect.

Zduriencik noted Thursday that Montero has dropped the extra weight he brought with him to Arizona last spring, however, and actually seems cautiously optimistic about the 25-year-old.

"It appears maybe the light has come on for him," Zduriencik told MLB.com's Greg Johns. "He's a guy we'll take a good look at."

Montero has logged just 35 games in the major leagues since the beginning of 2013, missing considerable time due to injuries, poor performance, and a 50-game suspension - but is expected to compete this spring for a spot on the 25-man roster.

Once regarded among the game's top prospects, Montero has compiled a .258/.302/.396 line (96 OPS+) over parts of four seasons in the majors between the Mariners and New York Yankees.