The Seattle Mariners will face the Detroit Tigers in Game 3 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) without first baseman Josh Naylor. This decision comes as Naylor did not travel with the team ahead of the crucial match scheduled for Tuesday.
Josh Naylor’s Personal Absence
Manager Dan Wilson informed reporters on Monday that Naylor is currently attending to a personal matter related to the impending birth of his first child. The expected due date was last Saturday, but it remains uncertain if he will return for Tuesday’s Game 3 or Wednesday’s Game 4 at Comerica Park.
“It’s kind of a personal day for him, so he’ll be back, and we’re looking forward to it,” Wilson stated.
Mariners Adjust Roster
With the possibility of Naylor going on paternity leave during the ALDS, the Mariners have included rookie third baseman Ben Williamson in their 26-man roster for the playoff series. Eugenio Suárez, the regular third baseman, has also practiced at first base, a position he has played sparingly throughout his career.
Naylor’s Performance and Team Impact
The 28-year-old Naylor joined the Mariners from the Arizona Diamondbacks before the MLB trade deadline in late July. In his 54 games with the Mariners, he has achieved a batting average of .299, hitting nine home runs and stealing 19 bases on 19 attempts. Despite his postseason experience of 21 games, Naylor is currently 0 for 8 with a walk in this ALDS.
Series Context
- The Mariners recently evened the ALDS series at one win apiece by defeating the Tigers 3-2.
- If the teams split the next two games in Detroit, the series will return to Seattle’s T-Mobile Park for a decisive Game 5.
- Game 3 is set to begin at 1:08 p.m., with radio coverage starting at 11 a.m.
Looking Ahead
Naylor is expected to enter free agency after this season, and the Mariners have expressed interest in re-signing him for the next year. His absence raises questions about the team’s offensive strategy moving forward in the playoffs.
