The speed and swagger of Dee Gordon has returned to the top of the Mariners’ starting lineup. And for the first time in at least 10 days, if not longer, Seattle’s lineup is as healthy as it has ever been.

As expected, Gordon was activated from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday afternoon immediately after becoming eligible to return. He was penciled in at second base and batting leadoff for the series finale against the Rangers later that night.

“He’s feeling much better,” manger Scott Servais said. “The toe has calmed down quite a bit. He’s a little under the weather. He’s been dealing with a cold the last couple of days, little bit of a flu bug. We are looking forward to having him out there.”

To make room for Gordon on the 25-man roster, infielder Gordon Beckham was optioned to Class AAA Tacoma. Beckham, 31, was called up when Robinson Cano broke his hand and was placed on the 10-day disabled list. He hit .206 (7 for 34) with a double, a RBI, three walks and a stolen bases in 12 games with the Mariners. Because of his service time accrued, Beckham can refuse the option and become a free agent.

“Beckham did a nice job coming in here,” Servais said. “I thought he has swung the bat well the last couple of days. But I just thought with where we are at and with flexibility, (Andrew) Romine has just got a little more experience at all the positions. If someone tweaks an ankle, whether it’s first base or the outfield or wherever, Romine has more experience there. Hopefully, Gordon stays in the organization.”

The Mariners are happy to have Dee Gordon back atop the lineup, serving as a catalyst for an offense that has been lagging in his absence. He was hitting .304 with a .330 on base percentage, 10 doubles, a triple, a homer, 13 RBI, 16 stolen bases and 25 run scored. The Mariners went 6-3 in Gordon’s absence, but scored four or runs just three times.

“I just want to come back and contribute,” Gordon said. “We’ll see how it goes tonight.”

Gordon’s fractured toe isn’t completely healed. He will still have to wear the walking boot on his foot when he’s not playing or working out.

“It’s feeling better,” he said. “The x-rays a few days ago came back really well. That Sunday (before he went on the DL) it was fractured pretty good. It’s calmed down and should be okay. I went hard on it for two weeks even though I shouldn’t have been playing on it. We were just letting it try to calm down.”

Gordon had no concerns about the toe going into the game.

“Honestly, I played with it broken,” he said. “It was way worse when I was playing on it. I just have to out there and get my timing back.”