Mariners Lineup: Where J.P. Crawford, Colt Emerson are playing

J.P. Crawford is still the Seattle Mariners’ shortstop, at least for Friday’s series opener at Kansas City.

Crawford is leading off and playing short in the 4:40 p.m. game, which comes two days after he started working out at third base after bringing the idea to the Mariners.

Salk: What J.P. Crawford is doing for Mariners is incredibly rare

Crawford is also returning to play after not starting the two previous games due to a triceps contusion sustained when he was hit by a pitch Sunday.

Rookie Colt Emerson, who is expected to be the Mariners’ shortstop of the future and played the position in Crawford’s place earlier this week, is back at third base Friday.

Here’s the full M’s lineup against the Royals:

Vic’s back! pic.twitter.com/aCX5WkQbRg

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 22, 2026

With Royals left-hander Noah Cameron starting on the mound, the Mariners have Victor Robles playing right field and hitting eighth just hours after being activated from the injured list.

Seattle is also giving first baseman Josh Naylor the day off, with Patrick Wisdom starting in his place. Wisdom had an RBI double in Wednesday’s M’s win over the White Sox for his first MLB hit since Sept. 21, 2024.

With Naylor sitting, designated hitter Rob Refsnyder has been moved into the cleanup spot.

Veteran right-hander Logan Gilbert gets the start for Seattle. Here’s the Kansas City lineup against him:

Series opener vs. Seattle. pic.twitter.com/Ktfj6CieXD

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 22, 2026

The Mariners enter the game with a 24-27 record, which puts them a game out of the American League’s last wild card and 2 1/2 back of the AL West-leading Athletics. The Royals (20-30) are 4 1/2 out of a playoff spot.

Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports of Friday’s game starts at 3:30 with the pregame show.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Despite struggles, Mariners hit the road with prime opportunity
• What we know about J.P potentially moving to 3B
• Which Seattle Mariners prospects could be traded this year?

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