Latest Mariners infield update makes J.P. Crawford's offer sound like a tease

The Mariners' recent decision to call up top prospect Colt Emerson was a timely move that may be responsible for the team's recent hot stretch. In addition to finally seeing a highly-anticipated talent take the big league field for the first time, another storyline that resulted from this move was the positional uncertainty of the team's incumbent shortstop, J.P. Crawford, who selflessly offered to cede his current role to the younger player.

Although it was an admirable move from Seattle's unofficial captain, it seems like the reality of the roster is playing out a little differently.

The Mariners seem intent on keeping J.P. Crawford at shortstop and Colt Emerson at third base

According to a recent report by Adam Jude for The Seattle Times, Crawford was initially taking some practice reps in the hot corner but isn't close to being ready to fill the role in games. Since Emerson has been called up, he has spent just a couple of games at shortstop while primarily playing at third base.

The current alignment makes sense given each player's current strengths. Scouts noted that Emerson's ability to play both positions on the left side of the infield was a strength of his and he did get to play at least some games at third base in each of the past few seasons. Crawford, who has struggled defensively all season, ranks in the bottom quartile of qualified players in arm strength, potentially making it difficult for him to make competitive throws to first base.

For now, it seems like the Mariners aren't exactly feeling the need to shuffle things around, especially if things continue to go well. Colt Emerson will have plenty of time to get reps at his primary position in the future while J.P. Crawford is in the final year of his contract with Seattle. Assuming the organization doesn't re-sign Crawford, Emerson will have plenty of runway until he hits free agency.

The situation may be considered resolved now but the team will be faced with more roster questions once Brendan Donovan makes his eventual return from the injured list. With more than 100 games remaining in the season, there's still a possibility that we see J.P. Crawford play third base for the first time in eight years but before he gets to that point, the Mariners will have to allow him to get a little more practice first.

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