Shortstop J.P. Crawford returned to the Seattle Mariners on Saturday as he continues to work his way back from a shoulder issue that resulted in a stint on the injured list to the start the season.

Mariners show new lineup facing first lefty starter

Mariners insider Shannon Drayer reported Crawford took early batting practice at T-Mobile Park and will remain with the club through the weekend before likely heading out on a rehab assignment early next week. He had been at the team’s spring training facility in Peoria, Ariz.

JP Crawford is here, took early BP on the field. Will stay with the club through the weekend and likely head out on a rehab assignment early next week.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) March 28, 2026

Crawford was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to March 22 with right shoulder inflammation. The earliest he would be eligible to return is Wednesday when Seattle wraps up it’s opening homestand against the New York Yankees, but he isn’t expected to return that soon.

Mariners general manager Justin Hollander told Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk on Thursday the hope was Crawford could return during the team’s first road trip, which starts Friday, April 3, with a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

“I would expect that it’s possible that J.P. goes out on the road trip with us. It just depends on how it goes for him,” Hollander said at the time.

The shoulder issue limited Crawford to just seven games at 18 plate appearances in spring training. He went 2 for 16 with three RBIs, one walk and one strikeout. Crawford last played March 11.

Seattle Mariners have wild stat through their first two games

Leo Rivas has filled in at shortstop with Crawford and was in the lineup batting eighth for the M’s on Saturday night against the Cleveland Guardians. He hit a triple in Friday’s win and was 1 for 5 with a walk and two strikeouts over the first two games.

The 31-year-old Crawford is the longest-tenured Mariners player. He’s coming off a 2025 season where he posted a 3.8 bWAR, the second-highest mark for his career. Crawford slashed .265/.352/.370 with a .722 OPS, 12 homers and 24 doubles. His on-base percentage was sixth in MLB among primary shortstops.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Watch: Top prospect Colt Emerson homers in Rainiers’ opener
• Raley, Young power Seattle Mariners past Guardians 5-1
• How Logan Gilbert surprised during Seattle Mariners’ season opener
• Roster Moves: M’s place Carlos Vargas on IL, call up reliever
• Seattle Mariners’ next 3 games are on 3 different TV platforms