What happened to JP Crawford? Mariners shortstop pulled early from game against Yankees

Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford was taken out of the game on Tuesday against the New York Yankees. He left the game with what is described as a right shoulder contusion.

Dylan Moore replaced the injured Crawford. It's unknown what caused the injury, but he recently had a knee injury that caused him to miss some games earlier this season.

Crawford flew out to start the game and then grounded out to third in the third innings before getting pulled. He didn't take any contact with his shoulder, so the injury raised some questions.

This is a blow for a team trying to claw their way back into the division after a poor start. Seattle is currently in fourth place in the American League West with a 35-35 record.

The Mariners are nine games behind the division-leading Texas Rangers. They can't afford to lose any of their core players with a gap like that.

Seattle Mariners need JP Crawford in the lineup

Chicago White Sox v Seattle Mariners

While JP Crawford perhaps isn't a star-studded name, he's the type of player everyone wants on their team. His smile and how he plays the game with so much joy are infectious.

He's the type of player that won't let his teammates keep their heads down because they made an error. He's a leader on the field as well as in the clubhouse. For the time being, the Mariners will look to Julio Rodriguez to keep the team's morale up.

It won't be an easy week for the Seattle Mariners as they have a three-game series with the New York Yankees. After that, they take on the Baltimore Orioles, who have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.

Without JP Crawford in the lineup, the Mariners will have their work cut out for themselves.