Already playing without Julio Rodriguez, the Mariners lost another central figure in their lineup when shortstop J.P. Crawford left Monday’s game after he was hit in the right hand by a pitch from Angels starter Tyler Anderson in the first inning.
After the game, manager Scott Servais announced Crawford has a hairline fracture in his right pinkie and will be placed on the injured list on Tuesday.
Rodriguez, who was not in the lineup on Monday, has a mild ankle sprain and is day to day going forward, Servais said.
Veteran utility player Dylan Moore replaced Crawford at shortstop on Monday and would likely be first in line to get regular time in Crawford’s place.
Another option is Triple-A Tacoma shortstop Leo Rivas, who made his MLB debut with the Mariners in late April. The 26-year-old has played particularly well for the Rainiers of late, hitting .434 with a .577 on-base percentage and reaching base in 30 straight games.
Crawford was in obvious pain after taking the 86-mph changeup off his bottom hand.
After Servais and a team trainer checked on him near home plate, Crawford remained in the game to run.
He eventually scored from second base on Cal Raleigh’s line-drive single to center field, giving the Mariners a 1-0 lead.
But Crawford exited the game after that.
Rodriguez left Sunday’s game after spraining his right ankle colliding into the wall in center field.