Josh Naylor -- Injury Report

Josh Naylor was removed from the Seattle Mariners' lineup ahead of Sunday's series finale against St. Louis due to quad tightness. Connor Joe started at first base in his place, hitting seventh. The exact timing of when Naylor developed the injury is unclear, though it likely occurred during pregame warmups. The team hopes the issue remains day-to-day and does not result in an injured list placement.

Naylor's absence marks another setback for both the player and the struggling Mariners offense. Despite signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract in the offseason after being acquired mid-season last year from Arizona, Naylor has underperformed significantly in 2026. Through 26 games, he has recorded a .208 batting average with a .600 OPS, 3 home runs, and 11 RBIs.

Naylor remains a critical piece of the Mariners roster despite his slow start. He is a former All-Star with eight seasons of proven consistency at the plate. With Seattle searching for offensive solutions and already struggling in the AL West standings, an extended absence would further complicate their climb back into contention.

Josh Naylor is ready to return to the Seattle Mariners' starting lineup after a brief absence due to quadriceps tightness. The first baseman sat out Sunday's 3-2 victory over the Cardinals but required only one day of rest to resolve the issue. Naylor will slot into Monday's game against the Twins at first base in the cleanup spot. His return comes at an opportune time, as he had been performing at an elite level before the injury. Over his previous seven games, Naylor compiled a .480 batting average (12-for-25) with 1 home run, 2 doubles, 4 stolen bases, 4 RBI, and 3 runs scored, demonstrating both offensive production and baserunning aggression.

Josh Naylor, the Mariners' $92.5 million first baseman, was held out of Sunday's series finale against the Cardinals due to quad tightness, according to manager Dan Wilson. The injury occurred during Saturday's 11-9 Mariners comeback victory when Naylor appeared to grab his right quad above the knee after stealing his second base in the seventh inning. Connor Joe took over at first base for Sunday's game against Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy.

Naylor had been performing well recently after a slow start to the season. In Saturday's game, he went 2 for 5 with two stolen bases and maintained a perfect 25-for-25 record on stolen base attempts with the Mariners dating back to last summer. Over his previous seven games, Naylor is hitting .480 (12 for 25) with two doubles, four RBIs, four steals, and four walks.

Wilson minimized the injury concern, describing it as "a little quad tightness" and noting the day off would serve dual purposes—allowing Naylor to rest while giving Joe additional at-bats. Joe had contributed significantly Saturday with a clutch two-run pinch-hit single in the eighth inning that tied the game at 9-9 before the Mariners' ultimate comeback victory.

The Mariners continue to navigate injuries with leadoff hitter Brendan Donovan remaining on the 10-day injured list with a groin strain.