In a startling turn of events, Mariners’ shortstop J.P. Crawford was hit by a pitch on the back of his right hand, forcing him to exit the Los Angeles Angels game. This incident occurred in the bottom of the first inning when Crawford was struck by an 0-1 changeup from Angels’ left-hander Tyler Anderson, who ironically is a former teammate of Crawford.
Immediate Aftermath and Reaction
The moment the ball hit, Crawford dropped his bat and clutched his hand, signaling immediate discomfort. A trainer attended to him promptly. Despite the injury, Crawford managed to reach first base. Following an infield single by Victor Robles, Crawford scored on a line-drive single by Cal Raleigh. However, Crawford did not return to the field in the top of the second inning. Instead, first baseman Dylan Moore shifted to shortstop, and Luke Raley entered the game to play first base.
J.P. Crawford's Performance This Season
Crawford, 29, has had a challenging season so far. He is batting .204 with a .299 on-base percentage and a .347 slugging percentage, accumulating nine homers and 32 RBIs in 77 games. His performance has been under scrutiny, and this injury could further impact his season and the Mariners’ strategy.
Impact on the Mariners and Future Games
Crawford’s injury adds to the Mariners’ concerns as they face a crucial part of the season. With key matchups coming up, including Phillies vs Twins, Tigers vs Guardians, and Cardinals vs Pirates, the team will need to strategize effectively to compensate for Crawford’s absence.
Key Players to Watch
- Ty France: His performance will be pivotal in filling the gap left by Crawford.
- Bryce Miller: Known for his pitching prowess, Miller will need to step up in upcoming games.
- Spencer Arrighetti: Another key player whose contributions could be significant in the coming weeks.
Predictions and Analysis
- Tigers vs Guardians Prediction: The Tigers, with their current form, might have an edge, but the Guardians are known for their resilience.
- Red Sox vs Rockies Prediction: The Red Sox are favored, but the Rockies could surprise with strong performances.
- Phillies vs Twins Prediction: This game is expected to be a close contest, with both teams showing strong potential.
- Astros vs Athletics Prediction: The Astros are likely to dominate, given their current form and lineup strength.
- Cardinals vs Pirates Prediction: The Cardinals might have a slight advantage, but the Pirates could turn the tide with strategic plays.
- Brewers vs Cubs Prediction: This game could go either way, but the Brewers might edge out the Cubs with their current momentum.
Upcoming Matches to Watch
- Giants vs Dodgers
- Diamondbacks vs Royals
- Astros vs Athletics
- White Sox vs Rangers
- Angels vs Mariners
Conclusion
The injury to J.P. Crawford is a significant blow to the Mariners, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up. As the team prepares for upcoming games, fans will be watching closely to see how the Mariners adapt and overcome this challenge. Keep an eye on Ty France, Bryce Miller, and Spencer Arrighetti as they play crucial roles in the team’s strategy. The season is far from over, and the Mariners have the potential to turn things around and make a strong comeback.