Mariners Provide Updates on Crawford, Miller Injuries

Bryce Miller experiences setback as JP Crawford nears return to Cactus League action

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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The Seattle Mariners are facing mixed injury news as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. Pitcher Bryce Miller has experienced soreness in his left side and oblique, forcing him to shut down for a few days, while shortstop JP Crawford is making progress in his recovery from shoulder soreness and is expected to make his Cactus League debut as a designated hitter this Tuesday.

Why it matters

The Mariners are looking to build on their recent ALCS appearance and surpass the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL West this year. The health and availability of key players like Miller and Crawford will be crucial to their success.

The details

After consulting with specialists, Miller decided against surgery for bone spurs and opted for a rehabilitation path to regain the dominant form he showed in 2024. However, after an outing on Thursday, Miller experienced soreness in his left side and oblique, prompting the team to shut him down for a few days. Meanwhile, the Mariners have been carefully managing Crawford's shoulder soreness, and he is now scheduled to take live at-bats on the back fields today and make his Cactus League debut as a designated hitter this Tuesday.

  • On Thursday, Bryce Miller experienced soreness in his left side and oblique.
  • JP Crawford is scheduled to take live at-bats on the back fields today.
  • Crawford is expected to make his Cactus League debut as a designated hitter this Tuesday.

The players

Bryce Miller

A young pitcher for the Seattle Mariners who is dealing with a setback in his recovery from an elbow injury that hampered his 2025 season.

JP Crawford

The Mariners' veteran shortstop who is making progress in his recovery from shoulder soreness and is expected to make his Cactus League debut this week.

Dan Wilson

The manager of the Seattle Mariners.

Justin Hollander

The general manager of the Seattle Mariners.

Daniel Kramer

A Mariners beat writer.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Mariners expect Bryce Miller to begin light catching soon, but there is currently no firm timeline for his return to the mound. JP Crawford is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut as a designated hitter this Tuesday, and if his shoulder continues to respond well, the team expects to have their Gold Glove shortstop back in the field during the week of March 8.

The takeaway

The Mariners' quest to build on their recent ALCS appearance and surpass the Blue Jays in the AL West this year will hinge on the health and availability of key players like Bryce Miller and JP Crawford. While these setbacks provide opportunities for prospects, the team remains focused on ensuring their core veterans are ready for the start of the regular season.