J.P. Crawford Back in the Lineup as Mariners Head Out on the Road

The Mariners got some good news on Thursday: J.P. Crawford is back. The shortstop was reinstated from the 10-day injured list just as Seattle gears up for the first road trip of the season. To make room, the team optioned infielder Ryan Bliss back to Triple-A Tacoma after he appeared in just one game for the Mariners, going 0-for-2 as a pinch-hitter.

A Short Rehab and a Rained-Out Game

Crawford's minor league rehab assignment was brief, to say the least. He played in the Rainiers' home opener on Tuesday, finishing 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout. He was supposed to get another rehab game on Wednesday at Cheney Stadium, but persistent rain throughout the day wiped that one out. So here we are, one game in and back to Seattle.

The shoulder issues that sidelined Crawford in the first place have been nagging him for weeks. He dealt with recurring shoulder inflammation and fatigue throughout the spring, suiting up in only seven Cactus League games. About 10 days before Opening Day, he got a cortisone injection and stayed behind in Arizona playing minor league games while the Mariners started their season without him.

Other Roster Moves

The Mariners also made a move with right-hander Ryan Loutos on Thursday, placing him on unconditional release waivers after designating him for assignment on March 31. That move had made room on the 40-man roster for Colt Emerson, who signed a long-term Major League contract. Loutos had been on the 7-day injured list for the Rainiers.

Game Time Shift for Seahawks

One more thing: Seattle's game against the Texas Rangers is moving up. The Mariners are pushing the first pitch from 6:40 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. to accommodate the Seahawks' defense of their Super Bowl title on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Lumen Field.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.