Josh Naylor Had Three Words After Unexpected Removal From Mariners Lineup

Josh Naylor Had Three Words After Unexpected Removal From Mariners Lineup originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Seattle Mariners have inserted themselves into a position to take first place from the Houston Astros in the AL West, currently sitting just 1.5 games back of the division lead after winning nine of twelve games in August.

Seattle has made its intentions clear on making a deep postseason run, especially after an exceptional trade deadline that saw them make the first big splash by acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Naylor has been as advertised through his first 18 games with the Mariners, posting a .292 batting average, .875 OPS, four home runs, and eleven stolen bases, seemingly improving after being moved to a contender.

Josh Naylor Scratched From Lineup Before Mariners-Mets Series Opener

Ahead of Friday’s series opener against the New York Mets, Naylor was originally placed in the starting lineup hitting fourth as the designated hitter.

However, moments later, the team announced an updated lineup with teammate Mitch Garver taking Naylor’s spot.

"Updated lineup."

Updated lineup. pic.twitter.com/elGDcSNrJL

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 15, 2025

Naylor Bluntly Addresses Lineup Change

After being asked about his removal from the lineup pregame, Naylor kept it short via Tim Booth of The Seattle Times and said, “I’m all right.”

Naylor recently left last Thursday's game against the Chicago White Sox due to left shoulder soreness and returned after missing one game, but at this time it’s unclear why he was scratched.

Naylor’s availability will be crucial as the Mariners attempt to capture their first division title since 2001. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger has batted .292 with an .817 OPS and 15 home runs across 111 games with the Diamondbacks and Mariners in 2025.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.