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Crawford Shifts to Third, Boosts Mariners' World Series Odds

5/21/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Crawford Moves Third

J.P. Crawford told Dan Wilson he will try third base.
Crawford fielded balls at third base in pregame drills on May 20, 2026.
GM Justin Hollander said Crawford’s willingness to move, posting a .358 OBP, six homers and a .722 OPS, improves Seattle’s World Series odds.
Rookie Colt Emerson, who received an eight-year, $95 million extension in March 2026, started at shortstop and hit a three-run homer on May 20, 2026.

Summary

Brash Returns

Matt Brash was reinstated from the injured list on May 21, 2026.
Before his May 1 IL stint, he posted a 2-0 record, 0.00 ERA, 10 strikeouts and two walks in 12 1/3 innings, establishing him as Seattle’s most reliable back-end bullpen option.
Manager Dan Wilson said Brash’s return will strengthen the team’s high-leverage innings.
Robinson Ortiz was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma to clear a roster spot for Brash.

Summary

Emerson Debuts

The Mariners will announce a lineup with rookie Colt Emerson at shortstop and Patrick Wisdom at third base.
Wednesday’s game vs. Chicago White Sox starts at 1:10 p.m. with a pre-game show and live radio airing on Seattle Sports 710 AM and Seattle Sports app.
Activated Monday from the 10-Day injured list, Wisdom will start at third, while manager Dan Wilson said J.P. Crawford will rest an extra day before returning Friday.

History

Historical Context

The Seattle Mariners joined MLB as an expansion team in 1977, finishing 64-98 and avoiding last place by half a game after Seattle sued the league over the Pilots' move. Owner John Ellis financed the Kingdome, and broadcaster Dave Niehaus attracted a million listeners. Decades of roster tinkering led to 2025 AL West title, the first in 24 years, influencing 2026 roster changes.

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Crawford Moves Third

J.P. Crawford told Dan Wilson he will try third base.
Crawford fielded balls at third base in pregame drills on May 20, 2026.
GM Justin Hollander said Crawford’s willingness to move, posting a .358 OBP, six homers and a .722 OPS, improves Seattle’s World Series odds.
Rookie Colt Emerson, who received an eight-year, $95 million extension in March 2026, started at shortstop and hit a three-run homer on May 20, 2026.

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