Mariners huge 'red flag' involves two infield positions amid injuries, poor play
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Mariners huge 'red flag' involves two infield positions amid injuries, poor play originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Seattle Mariners have won the series against the Philadelphia Phillies, and Cal Raleigh looks to have finally come alive, hitting four homers in a two-game span.
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But the issue for the Mariners is at a different spot on the roster. Instead, it revolves around two infield positions at shortstop and third base.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report called out the Mariners' "red flag" as how the entire left side of the infield is either hurt or simply can't hit right now.
Mariners have a left-side of the infield problem
"Seattle Mariners: Left Half of the Infield Can't Hit/Stay Healthy," Miller writes. "... But with J.P. Crawford on the IL for a second time and Brendan Donovan on it for a third time, Seattle's shortstop and third base situation has been a season-long struggle."
The Mariners haven't been able to get the best production out of their shortstop or third base spots due to a combination of injury and poor play.
Donovan has played in just 39 games this season, but when he does play, he has a .277 batting average with a .780 OPS. That kind of production would be huge for this Mariners' offense.
Crawford just came off the injured list, so that's no longer an issue. But his .213 batting average and .675 OPS are poor production and leave a lot to be desired.
MORE: Mariners’ Cal Raleigh on track to hit fewest HR after 60+ homer season in MLB history
Colt Emerson has a .190 average and a .581 OPS during his MLB debut this season, and their depth options at both spots have been struggling.
Brock Rodden has a .207 average with a .659 OPS in 10 games, while Weston Wilson has a .202 average with a .637 OPS in 54 games played.
Not having Donovan is a massive loss, as his offense is sorely missed. Even with Crawford back, the Mariners still have a big concern on the left side of the infield.
This is their biggest "red flag" for a reason, as the shortstop and third base spots for Seattle could be one of the main reasons why they wind up missing the postseason this year.
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