Colt Emerson Out of the Mariners Lineup Again
The Seattle Mariners are going to be without both of their starting shortstops in today's game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Star rookie shortstop Colt Emerson is out of the Mariners lineup for the second straight game due to back tightness, according to the team.
Emerson's back began to tighten up during warmups before Monday's game against the Orioles. Although the injury does not appear to be serious, it has lingered enough to keep him out for a second straight game.
This is the last thing Seattle needs right now. The club just lost its longtime starting shortstop J.P. Crawford to the injured list a few days ago. Crawford was hit on the right hand by a 96 mph fastball from Detroit Tigers starter Framber Valdez in a game on June 5.
In Emerson's and Crawford's absence tonight, Cole Young will shift to shortstop while recently called-up Ryan Bliss starts at second base. Patrick Wisdom will man the third base position.
Colt Emerson (back tightness) is out of the Mariners' lineup for the second straight day here in Baltimore.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) June 9, 2026
Cole Young again starts at shortstop and Ryan Bliss at second base.
Victor Robles is at leadoff.
The loss of Crawford was painful, but any time missed by Emerson is a significant one. The 20-year-old has made a major impact since his promotion on May 17.
Emerson is hitting .242/.319/.548 with an .867 OPS, four home runs, and 10 RBI in 62 at-bats. Seattle is also 13-7 in games he has started.
He has helped stabilize a Mariners offense that has been streaky all season.
Just before the season began, the Mariners signed Emerson to an eight-year, $95 million contract extension before he had even stepped foot on a major league field.
He has rewarded that faith early. Emerson has helped spark Seattle's offense while complementing one of the most complete pitching staffs in baseball.
The Mariners are hitting .237 as a team and have scored 284 runs this season. Both marks rank ninth in the American League.
Entering Tuesday, Seattle holds a two-game lead over the Texas Rangers in the American League West. Texas has won seven of its last 10 games and continues to apply pressure in the division race.
Fortunately for Seattle, it has matched that pace over the same stretch.
The Mariners will try to generate enough offense against the Orioles today with Logan Gilbert on the mound against left-hander Trevor Rogers. First pitch is scheduled for 3:35 p.m. PST.
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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:10 PM.