Crawford starting rehab assignment with Tacoma, getting closer to stabilizing Mariners' infield

MILWAUKEE -- Help could soon be on the way for a Mariners infield that finds itself thin around the diamond.

J.P. Crawford will begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday in Sacramento, manager Dan Wilson said on Wednesday. Crawford, who has been sidelined since late July with left wrist inflammation, traveled to Sacramento on Wednesday and is expected to play at least a couple of games before Seattle determines his next step.

“I think we’re all really excited that he’s at that stage and feels good,” Wilson said. “I would assume at least a couple of games, and we’ll go from there.”

There isn’t a firm timetable for Crawford’s return. Wilson said the Mariners want him to build up his innings and at-bats during the rehab assignment to ensure he’s comfortable playing a full nine innings.

But Crawford simply reaching this stage is significant for a Seattle club that could use some stability in its middle infield.

Crawford landed on the 10-day injured list on July 31, retroactive to July 30, after experiencing inflammation in the wrist while swinging. General manager Justin Hollander said at the time that Crawford would receive an injection and initially estimated that he would miss multiple weeks.

Crawford’s absence became more significant when top prospect Colt Emerson landed on the injured list on Aug. 14 with inflammation in his left wrist tendon.

Emerson had taken over as Seattle’s primary shortstop, with Crawford shifting to third base to accommodate the rookie. Without either available, the Mariners turned primarily to Brock Rodden at shortstop after selecting him from Triple-A Tacoma when Emerson went on the IL. Leo Rivas and Cole Young also provide options there.

Crawford, 31, is batting .212 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs across 87 games this season. And although his defensive performance at shortstop had prompted Seattle to move him to third after Emerson’s arrival, his return would give Wilson another experienced option as the Mariners try to remain in the postseason race.

It would also bring back one of the club’s longest-tenured players and clubhouse leaders at a time when Seattle is attempting to steady itself.

The Mariners entered Wednesday looking to rebound from a 22-0 loss to the Brewers, the most lopsided defeat in franchise history. Wilson said the group had already turned its attention to Wednesday’s game, and Crawford progressing toward a return provided at least one encouraging development before first pitch.

“You can’t dwell on the past,” Wilson said. “You really do have to move on and prepare yourself for tonight.”

Now one of Seattle’s veterans is getting closer to helping them do it.