Mariners Lose Key Players, Turn to Depth

0:00On March 25th, the Seattle Mariners trimmed their roster to 26 players for opening day, but they had the place two key guys on the injured list. Right away. Shorestop J.P. Crawford, the team's longest-serving player and opening day starter for the past seven seasons, landed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder issue that hampered his spring training. Right-hander Bryce Miller also started on the 15-day list due to a left oblique strain. Crawford struggled in limited spring action, hitting just 143 with no extra base hits, though he posted solid numbers last year with a 2. 65 average, 12 home runs, and 58 RBIs. To fill his spot, the Mariners turned to utility infielder Leo Rivas at Shorestop, passing over promising prospect Cole Emerson, who got sent back to. The minors despite a strong camp? Fans and analysts are feeling the pinch early, as Crawford anchors the infield and Miller brings rotation depth. Rivas hit 244 in limited duty last season, so he's a steady hand, but not a star replacement.

1:03Meanwhile, Emerson Hancock steps into Miller's rotation slot after a career high 16 starts last year where he went 4 and 5 with a 4. 90 ERA. Miller's been building back slowly in Arizona, completing a couple bowl pin sessions after cutting one short two weeks ago. He avoided arbitration with a one-year deal that includes a club option for 2027. Utility man, Miles Mastro Boni joined the 10-day list too, sidelined by a calf injury from the World Baseball Classic. As the Mariners dive into the season, though monitor these recoveries closely, while leaning on depth players to keep things steady through the opening weeks. That's the story for today, Seattle Mariners News Today, driven by AI.