Mariners SS J.P. Crawford could miss start of season

Shoulder injury has Seattle evaluating options at shortstop for Opening Day

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:10am

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Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford is dealing with a right shoulder injury and may not be available for the team's season opener on March 26. The Mariners are waiting on test results to determine the severity of the issue, but top prospect Colt Emerson and veteran Leo Rivas are among the candidates to start at shortstop if Crawford is unable to go.

Why it matters

Crawford is a key part of the Mariners' lineup and defense, so his potential absence would be a significant blow as the team looks to build on last season's success. The Mariners will need to quickly evaluate their internal options at shortstop if Crawford is not ready for the start of the season.

The details

Crawford last played on March 11, and with time running out before the opener, the Mariners are considering their options at shortstop. Emerson, the team's top prospect, and Rivas, a versatile veteran, are among the candidates to start if Crawford is unavailable. Emerson, 20, has impressed in spring training, hitting two home runs in his last three games, while Rivas has major league experience at the position.

  • Crawford last played on March 11.
  • The Mariners open the season on March 26 against the Cleveland Guardians.

The players

J.P. Crawford

The Mariners' starting shortstop, who is dealing with a right shoulder injury that could keep him out for the start of the season.

Colt Emerson

The Mariners' top prospect, who is a candidate to start at shortstop if Crawford is unavailable.

Leo Rivas

A versatile veteran who has played 33 major league games at shortstop and is also a candidate to start if Crawford is out.

Justin Hollander

The Mariners' general manager, who said the level of concern over Crawford's injury is 'low'.

Dan Wilson

The Mariners' manager, who said the team will wait to see the results of Crawford's tests before deciding on their options at shortstop.

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What they’re saying

“Until we hear what exactly the situation is with J.P., it's hard to kind of weigh those options. So, we'll wait and see once we hear, and then we'll begin to decipher where we'll need to go. But like I said earlier, all of our young players have had opportunities here in spring, and they've all done very well. They've all performed well.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners manager (austinnews.net)

“He's handled it well.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners manager (austinnews.net)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.