J.P. Crawford Heads to Specialist as Mariners Navigate Early Spring Injury Scare
It was supposed to be a routine morning update from Mariners manager Dan Wilson on Tuesday in Peoria, Arizona. Instead, general manager Justin Hollander showed up to deliver the news: shortstop J.P. Crawford is visiting with Dr. Keith Meister, an orthopedic surgeon based in Dallas-Fort Worth who specializes in arm and elbow issues, to get a second opinion on his shoulder. This is the second time Crawford's shoulder has flared up this spring, and the team wanted peace of mind before Opening Day on March 26.
Getting It Right, Not Rushing It
Here is the good news: the imaging shows nothing serious. Hollander made that crystal clear. "I don't have concerns that we're headed towards a surgical option or something like that," he said. The visit to Meister is about doing things the right way now so Crawford doesn't spend the whole season battling discomfort every couple of weeks. Hollander's concern level? Not high. But the team is taking it seriously.
Crawford has appeared in only seven Cactus League games this spring, with just three starts at shortstop on February 20, March 9, and March 11. An update on his status should come either later Tuesday or Wednesday when he returns from Dallas.
The Shortstop Question Mark
If Crawford lands on the injured list, the Mariners have options. Top prospect Colt Emerson could make his MLB debut, but there is a strong chance the team goes with utility infielder Leo Rivas to handle shortstop duties in the interim. Rivas is considered one of the best defensive infielders in the organization, and the Mariners trust him both in the field and at the plate.
Emerson, just 20 years old, started last season with High-A Everett before playing 34 games with Double-A Arkansas and six games with Triple-A Tacoma. He has shown solid defense this spring but got off to a slow start offensively with five hits in his first 29 plate appearances, four RBIs, two walks and seven strikeouts. Manager Dan Wilson noted that Emerson has swung the bat well the last three or four games. The Mariners don't want to rush him and hurt his development, especially with a deeper roster and better overall lineup than in years past.
We should have answers by Wednesday. Until then, Mariners fans will be waiting to see what the specialist says and how the season's opening week will actually look.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.