The Seattle Mariners have made a key roster decision by selecting Mitch Garver as their backup catcher over Andrew Knizner, according to a March 22 report. This move addresses one of the team’s main position battles during Spring Training as they prepare for Opening Day.
Attention now turns to the health of shortstop J.P. Crawford and pitcher Bryce Miller. Crawford is recovering from a sore right shoulder that has limited his activity throughout camp. Mariners manager Dan Wilson said, “Getting back on his feet and getting at-bats is definitely important. But certainly, throwing is maybe the bigger question mark.”
Crawford received a cortisone shot from Dr. Keith Meister in Texas earlier in the week and has resumed hitting in batting cages since Thursday but had not played catch by Sunday. He has appeared in only seven Cactus League games this spring, three at shortstop, but Wilson said experience helps: “It is important that he’s at a good spot, health-wise, and then also getting enough work so that when he’s on the field, he’s ready to go too,” Wilson said. “So we’re just weighing both of those things and continuing to assess each day as we kind of see the improvement.”
If additional preparation is needed after Monday’s final Cactus League game, Crawford could stay in Arizona for Minor League Spring Training games before joining the team later. If placed on the injured list (IL), he would be eligible to return by April 1 with backdating.
Regarding potential fill-ins for shortstop if Crawford cannot start the season, Leo Rivas appears most likely due to his defensive skills at shortstop. Other candidates include Cole Young—who played there experimentally—and Ryan Bliss.
For Miller’s rotation spot while he recovers from left oblique inflammation, Emerson Hancock leads candidates after showing strong performance this spring with increased velocity and an improved sweeper pitch. Cooper Criswell remains an option for bullpen duty because he is out of Minor League options.
Wilson emphasized caution with Miller’s return: “You don’t want to bring him back too early, where you’re going to tax the bullpen,” he said. The club estimates Miller may need three or four weeks before rejoining regular play if recovery continues smoothly.
