Mariners Welcome Back Crawford and Raleigh Amid Ongoing Injury Challenges

DETROIT, MI - The Seattle Mariners are navigating a challenging period as they welcome back J.P. Crawford and Cal Raleigh to the lineup after activating them from the injured list. Despite their return, the team continues to face injury struggles, with key players like Randy Arozarena and Josh Naylor sidelined.

Arozarena is dealing with a hamstring issue sustained while hustling to first base, and he is considered day-to-day. An MRI is scheduled to assess the severity of his condition. Meanwhile, Naylor is coping with a bruised shin, but it is a sore wrist that has kept him from playing. His status is also day-to-day.

In addition to these absences, Brendan Donovan remains out as he begins a running progression after returning from the Mariners’ complex in Arizona. Team officials expect this rehabilitation process to take between 10 days to two weeks, with hopes that Donovan will be more versatile in his playing positions once he’s back.

Will Wilson, who had been filling in for Donovan, has hit a setback in his recovery from a fractured thumb and will be removed from his rehab assignment. If his condition does not improve, he may require season-ending surgery. On the bright side, Rob Refsnyder’s knee issue has improved enough that he is no longer listed on the injury report.

On the pitching front, the Mariners are facing difficulties as well. Cooper Criswell is out for three to four weeks due to a pec strain, while Matt Brash is dealing with a lat strain that raises concerns about his shoulder. Both pitchers will undergo further evaluations to determine their recovery timelines.

Today’s match will mark Crawford’s first start at third base since 2018, and he will be joined by Raleigh behind the plate. To accommodate their return, Patrick Wisdom and Jhonny Pereda have been sent down to Triple-A, a tough decision given Pereda's impressive performance during his time with the team. “The quality of his at-bat was unbelievable,” said Justin Hollander, expressing confidence in Pereda’s future with the club.