Seattle Mariners Reinstate J.P. Crawford to Lineup After Injury

The Seattle Mariners reinstated shortstop J.P. Crawford from the injured list on August 25, 2026, returning him to the lineup as the team played at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Crawford, who had been sidelined since July 30 with left wrist inflammation, was immediately placed in the starting lineup at third base while rookie Brock Rodden took over shortstop duties. Utility infielder Leo Rivas was optioned back to Triple-A Tacoma to make room on the roster.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed enthusiasm about Crawford's return, highlighting his leadership and experience. "It's great getting J.P. back," Wilson said. "Getting him back in the lineup is huge.

It's great to get his bat and his defense back in there, and his leadership. It feels a little bit more like the family is getting back together."

Wilson also noted that Crawford would split time between shortstop and third base while Brendan Donovan remains on the 7-day concussion list. "He'll definitely bounce back and forth a little bit from short and third," Wilson said. "He's been able to do that before."

Once Donovan returns, Crawford is expected to resume his primary role at shortstop, a position he has held for most of his eight seasons with the Mariners. Wilson added, "Certainly when B.D. gets back and we get him going on an everyday basis, I think obviously that shortstop's a spot that J.P. can handle."

Crawford's season had been disrupted by multiple injuries, including right shoulder inflammation and a hand injury caused by a pitch in June. Despite these setbacks, the 31-year-old remains the longest-tenured player in Mariners history and holds the franchise record for most games played at shortstop.

With the promotion of top prospect Colt Emerson to the majors earlier in the season, Crawford had voluntarily moved to third base. However, Emerson's season ended early due to wrist surgery, increasing the need for Crawford to return to shortstop.

The Mariners' general manager Justin Hollander confirmed Emerson's surgery and noted the club's flexibility heading into roster expansions on September 1, where they can add players such as Rivas or prospect Michael Arroyo.

Despite injury challenges, the Mariners recently secured key wins, including a series against the Chicago Cubs. Notably, Cal Raleigh recorded his first career three-home-run game, contributing to the team's offensive resurgence as they aim to contend for the American League West title again.