The Seattle Mariners will face the Texas Rangers today without star center fielder Julio Rodríguez and shortstop J.P. Crawford, a lineup shakeup that threatens their slim AL Wild Card lead.
Rodríguez exited Monday’s game after a collision with the wall. Imaging Tuesday morning revealed a mild ankle sprain, per the MLB injury report. Crawford has been sidelined by lingering hamstring tightness. Both are listed as day-to-day.
Manager Scott Servais confirmed the absences in Tuesday’s lineup announcement. The revised batting order moves catcher Cal Raleigh to the cleanup spot. Utility man Dylan Moore takes over in center field. Shortstop Leo Rivas will bat ninth.
Seattle enters today’s mariners game with a one-game lead over the Toronto Blue Jays for the third Wild Card spot. A loss could drop them into a tie.
The Mariners have struggled without both stars this season. In games where both Rodríguez and Crawford were absent, the team posted a .218 batting average and a 79 wRC+, according to data from Lookout Landing.
“We have to rely on our pitching staff and the depth of this club,” Servais said. “The bullpen is rested. That’s our advantage today.”
Rodríguez could return as early as Thursday’s series finale, sources told sports.mynorthwest.com. The Mariners are considering a short injured list stint for Crawford to fully resolve the hamstring issue.
Fan reaction on social media has been mixed. Analysts at Lookout Landing noted that Raleigh’s recent hot streak offers some optimism. But the consensus is clear: today’s mariners game is a litmus test for Seattle’s playoff viability.
First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. PT.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why are Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford out for today’s Mariners game?
- A: Julio Rodríguez suffered a mild ankle sprain after a collision with the wall on Monday, while J.P. Crawford is sidelined by lingering hamstring tightness. Both are listed as day-to-day.
- Q: How does today’s lineup change affect the Mariners’ playoff chances?
- A: The Mariners hold a one-game lead for the third Wild Card spot. Without both stars, their batting average drops to .218 and wRC+ to 79, but manager Scott Servais counts on a rested bullpen and Cal Raleigh’s hot streak to stay competitive.
Extended Reading
Sources: MLB.com, Lookout Landing, sports.mynorthwest.com