SEATTLE -- The Mariners added a much-needed reinforcement to their infield on Tuesday, as J.P. Crawford was activated from the 10-day injured list.
Crawford is expected to return to his old position of shortstop full time.
In the wake of news that rookie SS Colt Emerson is slated for season-ending surgery on his left wrist, Crawford will return to the position that he’d played exclusively over his seven-plus seasons in Seattle before a move to third base in mid-June.
In a corresponding move, utility infielder Leo Rivas was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
Crawford had been sidelined since July 30 with left wrist inflammation, but the issue was bothering him for quite a bit longer. It’s not dissimilar to what Emerson had been dealing with, per general manager Justin Hollander.
The 31-year-old Crawford had transitioned to the hot corner full-time during Emerson’s ascent, but with the rookie now out and set to undergo surgery on Wednesday, the veteran is the most consistent option the Mariners have at the premium position.
Fellow rookie Brock Rodden has shown flashes of promise with the glove there -- and at the plate, too -- but has only been in the Majors for 12 days.
While Crawford was sidelined, Rivas made four starts at shortstop and was the corresponding move for Crawford in July when he went on the IL. He, too, had a few big moments, including a walk-off single in the 10th inning on Friday against the Cubs, and a key hit that set up Randy Arozarena’s walk-off homer on Saturday.
So, why option Rivas? The move mostly centers on how the Mariners will handle third base in the coming days. Brendan Donovan is still experiencing concussion symptoms after what Hollander described as a “freak accident” in the batting cages over the weekend.
Weston Wilson manned the hot corner in his stead, but Patrick Wisdom was recalled from Triple-A once Donovan hit the shelf. Both are more capable options at that spot than Rivas, and could be used in a pinch at first base.
It’s also possible that Crawford sees some action at third down the stretch, but it’d probably be sparingly.
Crawford played in three rehab games for Tacoma, going 4-for-11 with a three-run homer on Saturday. For the season, he has slashed .212/.330/.345 (.675 OPS) with 10 homers, 11 doubles and 30 RBIs.