Josh Naylor Injury Update
The Mariners’ new first baseman, snagged from the Diamondbacks in that July 24, 2025, trade, got yanked from the August 7 game against the White Sox after his left shoulder acted up. He’s been a damn firecracker for Seattle, hitting .261 with three bombs in just 13 games, and now this? The team is 1.5 games back of the Astros in the AL West, and losing Naylor’s bat feels like a swift kick to the gut. But Naylor’s a fighter—always has been—and I’m holding out hope he’s back soon.
On Twitter, GoldyHappens hoped it’s nothing serious for Naylor after he walked off following a tough at-bat.
Naylor looked rough in his first at-bat, whiffing in the second inning. By the third, he fouled off a pitch, winced like he’d been hit by a truck, and grounded out. Donovan Solano stepped in, and that was that. Dan Wilson called it “left shoulder soreness.”
On Twitter, Lookout Landing said Dan Wilson called Josh Naylor’s injury “shoulder soreness,” that he’s getting scans, and he’s considered day-to-day.
On Twitter, MLB Network, quoting Jon Morosi, said there’s optimism that Naylor will be back soon after Thursday’s injury.
This isn’t new for him; back in June with Arizona, he sat out one game for a right shoulder tweak after a bad swing. He was back in no time, crushing it. This time it’s the left shoulder, which is worrisome.
If the Mariners play it smart, they’ll sit him for the Rays game today, August 9, and maybe tomorrow, aiming for the Tigers series on August 12. Morosi’s Twitter post makes me think it’s a short-term thing, and knowing Naylor, he’s probably begging to play already. Seattle can’t screw this up. Naylor’s 11 homers and 59 RBIs from his D-backs days show he’s a difference-maker, and pushing him back too soon could wreck him for the season. Eugenio Suárez is raking, and Solano can hold it down, so let Naylor heal. Still, it’s infuriating to watch your big trade acquisition limp off when the playoffs are on the line.
This whole thing sums up the Mariners’ season: so much promise, but always a catch. Naylor’s the kind of guy who can slug us to October, but only if he’s right. I’m betting he’s back by Monday, but the team better not rush it. Fans like me are tired of hoping for “next game” miracles. Get him healthy, get him hitting, and let’s make a run
