The Seattle Mariners have made a series of strategic moves in response to recent injuries and performance considerations. The team has placed Randy Arozarena on the 10-day injured list, a retroactive decision to June 13th, due to a mild strain in his left hamstring. This move is expected to be a minimal stay, as Arozarena was already unavailable for the next few days. The Mariners have also selected outfielder Curtis Washington Jr. to the MLB roster, promoting him from High-A Everett. Washington, a former 19th-round pick, is hitting .190 over 44 games this season and will join the team for tonight's game against the Orioles.
The team's Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers, are on the road this week, which allows Washington to make a quick drive to T-Mobile Park. The Mariners will need to open a spot on the 40-man roster, which they can do by transferring infielder Will Wilson to the 60-day injured list. Wilson has been out since late April with a broken left thumb and is weighing season-ending surgery.
Additionally, outfielder Connor Joe has been pulled from Tacoma's lineup and will head to Seattle for tomorrow's game. Joe, already on the 40-man roster, will fill in as a right-handed bench bat, with Victor Robles likely replacing Arozarena in left field for the next week. The Mariners' lineup also includes day-to-day players Josh Naylor and Luke Raley, pushing Miles Mastrobuoni and Rob Refsnyder into tonight's lineup against Baltimore righty Brandon Young.
One notable change is J.P. Crawford's first appearance as Seattle's third baseman. Crawford, a former Gold Glove winner, has been working out at third base for the past month and approached the team about the possibility. This move allows Crawford to expand his versatility and potentially make a case for a multi-year deal in the offseason, while allowing rookie Colt Emerson to stay at his natural position of shortstop.
These moves demonstrate the Mariners' strategic approach to managing injuries and performance, utilizing players' versatility and making calculated decisions to optimize their roster for the upcoming games and the long-term success of the team.
