Crawford contributes in return from IL
This browser does not support the video element.
OAKLAND -- Shortstop J.P. Crawford wasted no time Friday in making an impact after the Mariners reinstated him from the 10-day injured list.
Sufficiently recovered from a left ankle sprain, Crawford drilled a two-run double during a three-run uprising in the fourth inning and participated in a pair of critical double plays as Seattle prevailed, 9-2, over the A's at the Coliseum.
“I was just happy to be back out here with my teammates, just trying to get a win,” Crawford said.
To clear roster room for Crawford, Seattle optioned infielder Shed Long Jr. to Triple-A Tacoma.
The Mariners also switched relievers, recalling right-hander Matt Festa from Triple-A, while placing righty Brandon Brennan on the 10-day injured list with a strained right shoulder.
Crawford, 24, compiled a .279/.343/.426 slash line in 17 May starts before he was sidelined. He prepared for his return to the Mariners by playing a three-game rehab stint with Class A Advanced Modesto. He went 1-for-10 with a home run and three RBIs.
Widely considered suitable for a super-utility role, Long played mostly second base, but also spent time at third base and left field while batting .232 in 19 games. He’s ranked 12th on MLB Pipeline’s list of Seattle’s top 30 prospects.
Brennan, 27, has struggled in his last nine appearances, recording a 17.61 ERA while yielding 11 hits, walking eight and striking out six in 7 2/3 innings over that span.
“He’s going to be OK,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said of Brennan. “It’s been bothering him more than he let on or led us to believe. … Give him seven to 10 days down, and build him up from there again. He’s a reliever. He’ll be back again.”
Festa, rated 17th among Seattle’s prospects by MLB Pipeline, was summoned for his fourth Major League stint of the season. In nine appearances with the Mariners, Festa is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA.
• Mild lower back stiffness knocked designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion from the lineup. Tim Beckham inherited the DH duties in Encarnacion’s absence.