Overview
- The Mariners promoted top prospect Colt Emerson from Triple-A and gave him his first major-league start at shortstop after he hit a three-run homer in his first days with the club.
- Veteran J.P. Crawford was scratched with right triceps soreness and took grounders exclusively at third base in pregame work as part of a deliberate experiment by the team.
- Emerson’s call-up came because All-Star utilityman Brendan Donovan was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain and is expected to miss about two to three weeks.
- Manager Dan Wilson and GM Justin Hollander say the third-base work for Crawford is exploratory and team-driven, with Crawford and his agent initiating the idea to help the club evaluate defensive alignment.
- The short-term moves could reshape Seattle’s infield picture longer term by accelerating Emerson into the regular shortstop role and giving Crawford a chance to increase his versatility before free agency.