Seattle Mariners outfielder Norichika Aoki is set for a demotion to the minors for the second time this season, a team source revealed Friday after the Mariners' 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox.

In his fifth season in the majors, Aoki in late June was optioned to Triple-A for the first time for poor batting form. He was recalled nearly a month later and has been batting .316 since, but is likely to be replaced by a power hitter with the Mariners seeking more firepower to their offense.

The 34-year-old has a batting average of .265 in 97 games with 16 RBIs and 92 hits, including one home run after joining his fourth major league club this season.

Aoki appeared as a ninth-inning defensive replacement on Friday as Seattle snapped its three-game losing streak.