Mariners Infield Finally Feels Whole As Brendan Donovan, J.P. Crawford Start Together Vs. Astros

Seattle's preferred infield duo of Brendan Donovan and J.P. Crawford are starting together for the first time this season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the uniforms and playing field.The Mariners' infield finally feels complete as Brendan Donovan and J.P. Crawford take the field together, bringing their unique talents and chemistry to the heart of the lineup.Seattle Today

For the first time all season, the Mariners finally get Brendan Donovan and J.P. Crawford in the same starting lineup on April 12. Crawford opened the year on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, then once he returned, Donovan missed time with an illness after also dealing with a groin scare earlier this month. This had turned into one of those weird early-season lineup handoff situations where Seattle technically had both players on the roster, but never really had its preferred infield look on the field at the same time. Sunday changes that.

Why it matters

Having Donovan and Crawford together in the starting lineup gives the Mariners their preferred infield look and allows them to optimize their lineup and batting order. Donovan has been a spark plug at the top of the order when healthy, while Crawford has helped keep the offense afloat in his absence. With both players now available, the Mariners can find the right balance and lineup configuration to maximize their production.

The details

Donovan will bat leadoff on Sunday, with Crawford hitting lower in the order. This aggressive left-handed heavy lineup is well-suited to face Astros right-hander Cody Bolton, who the Mariners are familiar with from his time in their organization. Meanwhile, Mariners starter Logan Gilbert has had success against the Astros in the past, owning a 3.33 career ERA and 6-4 record against them.

  • Brendan Donovan missed time earlier this month with a groin scare and an illness.
  • J.P. Crawford opened the season on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.
  • This is the first time Donovan and Crawford are starting together in the Mariners' infield this season.

The players

Brendan Donovan

A versatile infielder who has been a spark plug at the top of the Mariners' lineup when healthy this season.

J.P. Crawford

The Mariners' starting shortstop who helped keep the offense afloat while Donovan was out with injuries.

Cody Bolton

A former Mariners right-handed pitcher who is now with the Astros and will be starting against his former team.

Logan Gilbert

The Mariners' starting pitcher who has had success against the Astros in the past, owning a 3.33 career ERA and 6-4 record against them.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Mariners will look to continue their recent success and keep their preferred infield duo of Donovan and Crawford healthy and in the lineup together going forward.

The takeaway

The Mariners' infield finally feels whole with Brendan Donovan and J.P. Crawford starting together for the first time this season. This gives them their optimal lineup configuration and the best chance to maximize production from the top of the order against a familiar Astros pitcher.