2 notable absences as Seattle Mariners alter lineup

The Seattle Mariners’ lineup has a slightly different look with two notable absences as they attempt to snap out of their road funk against the Atlanta Braves and reigning National League Cy Young winner Chris Sale.

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First baseman Josh Naylor and shortstop J.P. Crawford – a pair of left-handed bats – are each out of the lineup for Friday night’s series opener against Atlanta’s veteran southpaw.

Leo Rivas is getting the start at short and batting eighth in place of Crawford. Luke Raley is getting a rare start against a left-hander while playing first and batting ninth.

First of three in ATL. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/wWVlIyXL8j

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 5, 2025

The day off is a rare one for Crawford, who had played in 136 of 140 games entering Friday. Crawford is hitting just .209 with a .621 OPS against southpaws this season.

Rivas is getting his first start since being recalled when rosters expanded to 28 players. The switch-hitting infielder hit his first major league home Monday. Rivas has excelled against lefties in limited action at the big league level this year, hitting .360 with a .429 on-base percentage and .829 OPS in 28 plate appearances. He also hit .347 with a 1.060 OPS versus southpaws in the minors.

Raley is getting his first start since Aug. 30 and fourth since returning from injury in mid-August. He has only one hit in 24 plate appearance against left-handers this season.

The 36-year-old Sale is making just his second start since missing over two months with a fractured rib cage. He held the National League East-leading Phillies to one run over six innings and struck out nine in his return.

The Mariners and Braves open their three-game series Friday at 4:15 p.m. Radio coverage begins with the pregame show at 3 p.m. on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app.

2 notable absences as Seattle Mariners alter lineup

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