J.P. Crawford returns to Mariners lineup at third base
The Seattle Mariners activated shortstop J.P. Crawford from the 10-day injured list Tuesday ahead of their mariners game today against the Philadelphia Phillies. Crawford, sidelined since July 30 with left wrist inflammation, was inserted into the starting lineup at third base while rookie Brock Rodden started at shortstop.
Crawford's return ends a nearly month-long absence and restores a veteran leader to a Mariners infield that had been relying on third- and fourth-string options at shortstop. Manager Dan Wilson called the activation huge for both Crawford's bat and the team's clubhouse culture.
Key Takeaways
- J.P. Crawford was activated from the IL on Tuesday and started at third base against the Phillies.
- Utility infielder Leo Rivas was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma as the corresponding roster move.
- Rookie Brock Rodden remained on the roster and started at shortstop.
- Crawford missed nearly a month after landing on the IL July 30 with left wrist inflammation.
- Wilson said Crawford will bounce between short and third until Brendan Donovan returns from the concussion IL.
Why is Crawford starting at third base instead of shortstop?
Despite being the most experienced shortstop in Mariners franchise history, Crawford was slotted at third base and batting eighth for his first game back. Rookie Brock Rodden, who has impressed Wilson with his defense and spark at the plate, got the start at shortstop.
Wilson said Crawford will bounce back and forth a little bit from short and third while Brendan Donovan remains on the seven-day concussion injured list. Donovan is eligible to return Saturday if he clears protocol.
Once Donovan is back at third on an everyday basis, Wilson indicated Crawford would likely return to shortstop—a position he has held for most of his eight seasons in Seattle. Crawford has appeared in more games at shortstop than anyone in franchise history, per MLB.com.
Who did the Mariners send down to make room?
To clear a 26-man roster spot, Seattle optioned utility infielder Leo Rivas back to Triple-A Tacoma. Rivas had been a bright spot during Crawford's absence, delivering a walk-off single in the 10th inning against the Cubs on Friday and setting up Randy Arozarena's walk-off homer the next day.
Wilson called the decision tough, noting both Rivas and Rodden contributed big hits. The manager said Rodden brought a little bit of a spark, which factored into keeping him on the big-league roster.
How long was Crawford out and what is his injury history?
Crawford landed on the 10-day injured list July 30 with left wrist inflammation—an issue MLB.com reported had bothered him well before the IL stint. He completed a three-game rehab assignment with Tacoma, going 4-for-11 with a three-run homer before clearing his final pregame workout at T-Mobile Park.
This marks Crawford's third IL stint of 2026. He missed the start of the season with right shoulder inflammation and returned to the IL in June after being hit in the right hand by a pitch from Detroit's Framber Valdez. For the season, he is hitting .212/.330/.345 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs.
What does Crawford's return mean for the Mariners?
Crawford's activation comes at a critical moment for Seattle's infield. Top prospect Colt Emerson is scheduled for season-ending wrist surgery, and Donovan remains sidelined with concussion symptoms after a batting-practice accident. Crawford restores on-base ability and veteran leadership to a lineup that Wilson said finally feels like the family is getting back together.
Crawford is in the final year of a five-year, $51 million contract signed in April 2022. For more roster moves and breaking updates across sports and entertainment, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.