Mariners Infielder Exits Game After Being Hit By Pitch

For the second time in as many weeks, the Seattle Mariners are without their starting shortstop due to an errant pitch.

On Friday, shortstop J.P. Crawford exited the game against the Detroit Tigers after being plunked on the right wrist by starter Framber Valdez. The play happened in Crawford's second at-bat of the night in the top of the third inning. Valdez torched a fastball high and inside, catching Crawford before he could move out of the way. Crawford tried to stay in the game, but was replaced by Patrick Wisdom, who bumped rookie Colt Emerson over to shortstop.

Mariners SS J.P. Crawford has left the game after a pitch from Framber Valdez hit him in the hand

— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) June 5, 2026

Crawford was absent for a game in late May after getting hit in his triceps on a pitch from San Diego Padres pitcher Lucas Giolito. The veteran was a late scratch after feeling soreness in his arm during pregame warmups. Given that Friday's pitch hit his wrist or hand, Crawford will undoubtedly get precautionary X-rays done to ensure there are no fractures.

The 31-year-old had just turned a highlight reel play in the second inning, making a spectacular diving grab to get Riley Greene at second base. In his first at-bat, Crawford singled to lead off the game, and would later come around to score on a Rob Refsnyder single to right field.

For the season, Crawford has appeared in 54 games, slashing .224/.351/.406, with 10 home runs and 23 RBI primarily from the lead-off spot. He made headlines last month after he told the Mariners that he was willing to shift to third base on defense to allow Emerson to play at his natural position of shortstop once he was called up.

Valdez is no stranger to controversy. He was suspended for five games earlier this season for hitting Trevor Story with a pitch directly in the back. Valdez also made negative headlines last season with the Houston Astros when he intentionally crossed up his catcher, Cesar Salazar, hitting him in the chest protector with a pitch that was not communicated. Some believe that this was one reason it took Valdez so long to sign a new contract in the offseason.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 8:28 PM.