Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford, right-hander Bryce Miller to start season on injured list
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mariners shortstop J. P. Crawford started the season on the 10-day injured list while right-hander Bryce Miller opened on the 15-day IL as the team got down to the 26-man active limit Wednesday.
Crawford, 31, has been Seattle's starting shortstop for opening day each of the last seven seasons and is the franchise's longest-tenured player. He was limited to seven spring training games due to a right shoulder injury and batted . 143 with no extra-base hits.
Last season, Crawford hit . 265 with 12 home runs, 58 RBIs and a . 722 OPS.
Leo Rivas is expected to start at shortstop. The 28-year-old, hit . 244 with two home runs in 90 at-bats last season in a utility role.
The Mariners sided with Rivas over top prospect Colt Emerson, who impressed during spring but was reassigned to minor league camp. Miller, 27, dealt with a left oblique injury throughout spring training. He ended a bullpen session early two weeks ago after feeling discomfort in his left oblique.