J.P. Crawford Is Back and the Mariners' Shortstop Legacy Just Got Stronger
The Mariners got their guy back Thursday. J.P. Crawford activated from the injured list after missing the first seven games with a sore right shoulder, and suddenly Seattle's defense looks a whole lot more complete. This is the shortstop who has played more games at the position in franchise history than anyone else, and he was sidelined since March 11. Now he is back in the mix.
The Shoulder Scare That Cost Him Early
Crawford's throwing shoulder started bothering him during spring training, which kept him out of action to start the season. He played one rehab game at Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday and went 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout, but that was enough for the Mariners to feel good bringing him back into the lineup. At 31 years old, this is his eighth season with Seattle and his presence matters. A lot.
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Here is what you need to know about Crawford's tenure in a Mariners uniform: 855 games at shortstop. That is more than anyone else in franchise history. Alex Rodriguez, the guy who left as one of the best to ever do it, played 786 games at the position from 1994 to 2000. Crawford has already surpassed that.
Last season he batted .265 with 12 homers and 58 RBIs in 157 games. His 2023 season was even better at 19 homers and 65 RBIs. In nine big league seasons combined with Philadelphia and Seattle, Crawford is sitting at a .248 career average with 67 homers and 344 RBIs in 930 games. He won the Gold Glove in 2020. That is the kind of player you want back in the lineup as fast as possible.
The Moves Around Him
The Mariners optioned infielder Ryan Bliss following Wednesday's loss to the Yankees. Bliss was hitless in two at-bats with two strikeouts this season. Right-hander Ryan Loutos also went on waivers Thursday after initially being designated for assignment on Tuesday.
With Crawford back at short, Seattle has a chance to stabilize things early in the season. This is just the beginning, but having your most experienced shortstop in the field again is exactly what the doctor ordered.
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