Josh Naylor returns to Mariners lineup batting third against Mets

Josh Naylor returns to Mariners lineup batting third against Mets

Davis Washington Published:

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor is set to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s matinee against the New York Mets after a brief absence due to back spasms. The 28-year-old slugger is slated to bat third and play first base for the 3:40 p.m. ET (12:40 p.m. PT) contest at T-Mobile Park, according to reports from Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. His return provides a boost for a Seattle club currently holding a 2.5-game lead over the Texas Rangers in a tight American League West race.

The injury occurred during Monday night’s 3-2 extra-inning victory when Josh Naylor hit a game-tying solo home run in the seventh inning. Upon returning to the dugout, he informed the coaching staff of tightness in his back and was subsequently removed from the game in the eighth inning. Mariners Manager Dan Wilson attributed the spasms to Naylor’s swing on the home run, noting that the decision to keep him out of the starting lineup on Tuesday was made with the remainder of the season in mind.

While Josh Naylor was out of the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game, Manager Dan Wilson indicated that the infielder was “feeling better” by Tuesday morning and likely would have been available to pinch-hit if necessary. Patrick Wisdom started at first base in his place during that game, batting seventh in the order. Naylor’s recovery is a relief for a team that has already faced significant roster turnover, much like how Gleyber Torres admitted an injury absence is killing him earlier this season while dealing with his own health setbacks.

Pitching matchups and lineup logistics at T-Mobile Park

The Mariners enter Wednesday’s game after a dramatic turnaround in the standings. Just eight games ago, Seattle sat at 25-29 and was ranked near the bottom of the AL West. The recent surge to first place has been highlighted by elite pitching from a staff that will send right-hander George Kirby to the mound today. Kirby enters the matchup with a 5-4 record and a 3.77 ERA across 12 starts this season.

New York will counter with right-hander Freddy Peralta, who carries a 3-4 record and a 3.55 ERA. The Mariners’ offense, bolstered by the return of Josh Naylor, faces a pitcher currently averaging 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Naylor’s left-handed bat is a critical component for Seattle against right-handed pitching, as he currently owns a .254 batting average with six home runs and 25 RBIs through 57 games this year.

Wednesday’s projected starting lineups

Below are the projected lineups for the June 3 engagement at T-Mobile Park:

  • Seattle Mariners: CF Julio Rodriguez, LF Randy Arozarena, 1B Josh Naylor, 3B Patrick Wisdom, DH Rob Refsnyder, 2B Cole Young, C Mitch Garver, RF Victor Robles, SS Colt Emerson.
  • New York Mets: RF Carson Benge, SS Bo Bichette, LF Juan Soto, DH Jared Young, 1B Mark Vientos, CF A.J. Ewing, 3B Brett Baty, 2B Marcus Semien, C Luis Torrens.

Seattle’s climb to the top of the AL West

The Mariners’ rise to the top of the division is particularly notable given their sub-.500 record less than two weeks ago. The team’s defensive intensity has matched its pitching, with rookie Colt Emerson recently making highlight-reel plays to preserve crucial leads. Maintaining this momentum is vital in a June schedule that often separates contenders from pretenders, a level of professional pressure similar to when Novak Djokovic meets Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in high-stakes tournament openers.

Josh Naylor brings a multifaceted offensive profile back to the order, having already recorded 12 stolen bases this season. This speed, combined with a .317 on-base percentage, provides protection for hitters like Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena. Manager Dan Wilson’s cautious management of Naylor’s back spasms suggests the team is prioritizing long-term health over a single game’s result.

As the Mariners head into the summer months, the reliability of the infield will remain a primary focus for the front office. With the Texas Rangers sitting only 2.5 games back, every series against interleague opponents like the Mets carries weight. Seattle fans will look to see if Naylor can replicate the power he showed on Monday without further aggravating his back during his four scheduled plate appearances this afternoon.