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SEATTLE MARINERS

Josh Naylor’s status uncertain for Mariners’ ALDS games in Detroit

Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson said first baseman Josh Naylor did not travel with the team to Detroit ahead of Tuesday's ALDS Game 2.

Seattle Mariners Josh Naylor ALDS...

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 04: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners looks on prior to game one of the Division Series against the Detroit Tigers at T-Mobile Park on October 04, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor did not travel with the team ahead of Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Tuesday, manager Dan Wilson told reporters in Detroit on Monday.

The updated ALDS schedule as Mariners go to Detroit for Game 3

Naylor and his wife have been expecting the birth of their first child, which had a due date of Saturday, according to The Seattle Times.

Daniel Kramer, who covers the Mariners for MLB.com, reported Monday that it is unclear if Naylor will be available for Tuesday’s Game 3 or Wednesday’s Game 4 against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

Wilson termed Naylor’s situation “a personal matter” and added “we’ll know more tomorrow.”

“It’s kind of a personal day for him, so he’ll be back, and we’re looking forward to it,” Wilson said.

With Naylor expected to go on paternity leave at some point during the ALDS, the Mariners included rookie third baseman Ben Williamson on their 26-man roster for the series. Usual third baseman Eugenio Suárez has also worked out at first base, a position he has played just a handful of times in his career.

The 28-year-old Naylor has been a popular member of the team since coming over from the Arizona Diamondbacks before the MLB trade deadline in late July. He hit .299 with nine home runs and 19 stolen bases on 19 attempts in 54 regular season games after joining the Mariners.

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Naylor, who now has 21 games of postseason experience over four different trips to the playoffs, is 0 for 8 with a walk through the first two games of the ALDS.

Set to be a free agent after this season, the Mariners have been open about having interest in re-signing Naylor for next year.

The Mariners beat the Tigers 3-2 on Sunday night to even the best-of-five series at one win apiece. If the teams split the two upcoming games in Detroit, the series will return to Seattle’s T-Mobile Park on Friday for a decisive Game 5.

Game 3 of the ALDS is set for a 1:08 p.m. first pitch Tuesday. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports will begin with an extended pregame show at 11 a.m.

More Seattle Mariners ALDS coverage

• Three things we’ve learned so far from Seattle Mariners’ ALDS vs Detroit
• T-Mobile Park hosting Mariners watch parties for ALDS Games 3-4
• Jorge Polanco’s heroics help Mariners even series with Detroit
• After second-half tear, Julio shining on the October stage
• Polanco’s big game is two great signs in one for Seattle Mariners

Brent Stecker Editor, Seattle Sports

Brent Stecker is Lead Editor of SeattleSports.com, a role he has held since 2017. A native of Ephrata, Wash., he joined the Seattle Sports and MyNorthwest.com team in 2013 after six years as a sports reporter for The Wenatchee World.

Comments

1 Comments

S
Seth Clemons 1 year ago

Unfortunate, but he did not look good in the first two games. Terrible at bats and his fielding error nearly cost the Ms the season.

Go be with your wife, Josh. Have a healthy baby and then come back with a renewed focus.