Mariners Moose Tracks, 7/23/24: JP Crawford, Ty France, James Paxton

A Tuesday links full of melancholy, heartbreak, goodbyes, and some “see you later”’s.

Seattle Mariners news...

• After a wicked HBP on the hand of JP Crawford early in yesterday’s game, the Seattle shortstop is headed to the IL.

• The update on Julio was far less grim.

• And we may not know yet where it is Ty France is going on waivers, but it’s all but certain now that he is indeed going.

Ty had said before the game that it was a weird day for him, but one small bright side to that weirdness was getting to see him taking shortstop drills with JP before the game, although that image itself is now laced with extra-bittersweet given the news around both players.

Like I said, weird day.

• With Julio already out, Crawford now going to miss time, our goodbyes to France, and yet another brutal loss to the Angels... well, yesterday was a weird day, and a bad day, and Scott Servais was wearing that in his post game presser.

Lookout Landing’s own Jacob Parr was able to get this not-so-cheerful quote from pitcher Bryce Miller that also fit right in with yesterday’s vibes.

• Former Mariners pitcher Casey Sadler is giving back to the Seattle community in the form of pitching instruction, including offering scholarships.

• The Mariners reached terms with several of their draft targets, including 3rd rounder Hunter Cranton, 6th rounder Grant Knipp, 8th rounder Will Riley, and 11th rounder Christian Little.

Around the league...

• With the trade deadline looming like a hungry puma, Ben Clemens at Fangraphs identified players of particular value. Seattle Mariners to make the list include Luis Castillo, Cal Raleigh, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo.
• Jim Leyland had some moving words during a speech at the National Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend when new inductions were made. Obligatory but full throated: How can you not be romantic about baseball?

• James Paxton has been DFA’d by the Dodgers. Bring him home..? (on a minor league deal? Sure!)

• The metaphorical ink wasn’t even dry on the page when we told you yesterday Whit Merrifield had signed with the injury plagued Atlanta organization, when this happened:

• The Angels have activated José Quijada and DFA’d Adam Cimber.
• Mike Trout is expected to join the Salt Lake Bees on a rehab assignment.
• You may see the link and think, “where is the baseball?”, but this is a move that could potentially impact baseball negotiations with the city of Oakland moving forward.

Bee’s pick...

• We are deeply grieved to learn of the passing of friend of the site and local journalism stalwart Matt Driscoll. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all of Matt’s family and loved ones.