In a recent update from Mariners’ General Manager Justin Hollander, fans learned that shortstop J.P. Crawford will travel to Arlington, Texas, for an evaluation with Dr. Keith Meister regarding an ongoing shoulder issue.
The news comes at a less-than-ideal time, with Opening Day just around the corner. Crawford’s spring training has already been limited. He appeared in just seven games, collecting only two hits in 18 at-bats, as the team monitored his condition.
Crawford’s Injury Ahead of Opening Day
Hollander offered an optimistic update about the situation. He emphasized the importance of taking preventative measures, rather than allowing the issue to linger into the regular season.
“My concern level is that we do the right thing now, so he’s not battling every couple of weeks feeling uncomfortable,” Hollander said according to Seattle Sports. “But I don’t have concerns that we’re headed towards a surgical option or something like that. No one thinks that’s the case right now. So we want to make sure we’re getting him going in the right direction and it’s not something that lingers.”
The Mariners’ priority appears to be long-term stability over a short-term fix. While the organization does not believe the injury is severe, it is clearly something they want to resolve in a way that avoids recurring discomfort throughout the season.
In a recent update from Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Crawford received an injection in his shoulder as part of his treatment. Manager Dan Wilson has not yet confirmed whether Crawford will be ready for the team’s Opening Day matchup against the Cleveland Guardians.
What His Absence Could Mean
If Crawford is unable to start the season, the Seattle Mariners will need to consider other options at shortstop. Fortunately, the organization already has a handful of capable candidates ready to step in.
Leo Rivas stands as one of the more logical replacements. He has prior experience at shortstop and offers value as a switch hitter. His familiarity with the position and ability to provide balanced at-bats could make him a steady, low-risk option if Crawford lands on the IL.
Another option is Colt Emerson, one of the Mariners’ top prospects. Emerson has shown promise defensively and carries long-term potential. However, his lack of big-league experience makes him a less likely candidate. His spring performance included just one home run and nine strikeouts over 15 games. Numbers that suggests he still needs some more development before moving into a starting role at the major league level.
Other possibilities include Brendan Donovan and Cole Young, though both are more fit for second base. If either were to make the move to shortstop, it would likely be temporary. A move like that could also trigger a larger infield adjustment, potentially opening the door for Ryan Bliss to take on an increased role at second.
Ultimately, if Crawford begins the season on the injured list, Seattle may need to shuffle the infield to maintain defensive stability and offensive consistency. While none of the alternatives fully replicate Crawford’s presence, the Mariners’ depth offers enough flexibility to handle a short-term absence if necessary.
Seattle Mariners Face Uncertainty at Shortstop as J.P. Crawford Deals with Injury