Lineups: No J.P. for Mariners as big series in Texas starts

For the fourth straight game, the Seattle Mariners don’t have veteran infielder J.P. Crawford in the lineup.

What’s at stake in Mariners’ big series vs Rangers

That means the M’s are without their usual leadoff man and third baseman going into Friday’s opener of a big four-game series in Texas that will determine the AL West lead going into next week. The Mariners (51-52) enter the series just a half-game back of the Rangers (51-51) for first place in the division.

Crawford was a late scratch Monday due to a wrist injury suffered in batting practice and has not played since. Mariners insider Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports shared an update from the ballpark:

JP Crawford is not in the lineup tonight but expected to take some work in the cages as he gets closer to returning.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) July 24, 2026

With Crawford apparently not headed to the injured list, it’s possible the Mariners are opting to use the lefty-hitting Crawford as a bench option with Texas starting southpaw pitcher MacKenzie Gore on Friday. Crawford has a .282 slugging mark and .666 OPS against left-handers this season.

The Mariners have left fielder Randy Arozarena hitting leadoff and Weston Wilson at third base in Crawford’s place Friday. They will also start backup catcher Mitch Garver as the designated hitter. In road games against left-handed pitchers since joining the Mariners in 2024, Garver has slashed .264/.355/.423 for a .778 OPS and 120 wRC+.

Here’s the full Mariners lineup:

Big Tex in Texas. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/8Xoc3eKE5E

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 24, 2026

Starting on the mound, Seattle will have its best pitcher of late: Texas native Bryce Miller, who has a 2.27 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, a 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings rate, and 7.10 strikeouts to walk ratio in 11 outings this year.

Here’s how the Rangers will line up against Miller:

Massive divisional matchup. #AllForTX pic.twitter.com/3BEkEyXMgc

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 24, 2026

First pitch of Friday’s game is set for 5:05 p.m., with Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports set to start at 4 with the pregame show.

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