Mariners activate star shortstop after lengthy stay on injured list

The Seattle Mariners have struggled in the second half of the 2024 season.

The team once led the American League West by 10 games. However, that has transformed into a 3 1/2 game deficit, and Seattle is now at risk of falling short of the postseason for the second straight year. They even fired manager Scott Servais.

However, the team is about to receive a major reinforcement, as shortstop J.P. Crawford has been reinstated from the 10-Day injured list. He has been out since late July after suffering a pinky fracture.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network provided the news on Twitter.

"Mariners reinstate J.P. Crawford from the 10-Day injured list," Morosi wrote. "Seattle was tied for the division lead when he was placed on the IL more than 1 month ago. The Mariners are now 3 1/2 games back."

Seattle has taken a nosedive in the standings lately. They once had command in the AL West over the Houston Astros but have since struggled and fallen out of the top spot.

Having Crawford back should certainly help them as they try to regain their footing and stay in the race. Entering September, they still have a decent shot at capturing the AL West title. The Wild Card race is less certain as they sit 5 1/2 games back.

But the Mariners need a boost as they try to gain ground in the race and reach the postseason for the second time in three years. Crawford has struggled this season, but he could give them the boost they need.

In 294 at-bats, Crawford is hitting .204 with nine home runs, 32 RBI, five stolen bases, and a .646 OPS. It will certainly be interesting to see how the Mariners use him and how his return from the IL will impact the team.

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