Mariners' J.P. Crawford Scratched Late with Triceps Injury

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Mariners' J.P. Crawford Scratched Late with Triceps Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated May 20, 2026 3:49 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners made a late change to their lineup on Wednesday, as shortstop J.P. Crawford felt some triceps soreness in pregame warmups.

The injury likely stems from Crawford being hit on the right triceps by a pitch from the San Diego Padres' Lucas Giolito on Sunday night. Crawford hit leadoff in Monday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox, but sat on Tuesday, entering the game as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth inning. He struck out swinging against White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor, as the Mariners fell to Chicago by a score of 2-1.

Crawford went through his warm-ups on Wednesday, but his triceps were bothering him while he played catch. Shortly after being scratched from the lineup, Crawford was spotted on the field taking defensive reps at third base. He was notably just fielding balls and not making any throws, while recently called-up rookie Colt Emerson handled duties at shortstop.

JP Crawford is taking ground balls at third base and Colt Emerson is taking them at shortstop. pic.twitter.com/oJC182g3Oa
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) May 20, 2026

Emerson, 20, is a natural shortstop and is the Mariners' top prospect in their system, according to MLB Pipeline. In the updated lineup for Wednesday's game, Emerson is penciled in as the starting shortstop and batting eighth, while former Chicago Cub Patrick Wisdom will fill in at third base. Wisdom was just activated from the 10-Day IL on Monday after suffering an oblique injury in mid-April.

Crawford has been steady this year, and although his batting average has suffered, he has remained patient at the plate. Through 42 games, the ten-year MLB veteran is slashing .210/.358/.364 with six home runs and 16 RBI. The .358 OBP stands out for Crawford as the veteran has recorded 29 walks to 28 strikeouts, making him a valuable leadoff threat to get on base.

J.P. Crawford has exited this game to begin the 5th inning, shortly after taking a 91.6 mph fastball off his right triceps from Lucas Giolito.

He's been replaced by Leo Rivas at shortstop. pic.twitter.com/owgNpTP2QI
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) May 18, 2026

For now, the Mariners do not seem concerned by Crawford's injury, especially given that he was still doing some defensive warmups despite getting scratched. The team was likely being cautious and giving Crawford an extra day of rest with a day off on Thursday. Crawford's next opportunity to get back in the lineup is on Friday when the Mariners visit the Kansas City Royals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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