Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor did not travel with the team ahead of Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Tuesday, manager Dan Wilson told reporters in Detroit on Monday.
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Naylor and his wife have been expecting the birth of their first child, which had a due date of Saturday, according to The Seattle Times.
Daniel Kramer, who covers the Mariners for MLB.com, reported Monday that it is unclear if Naylor will be available for Tuesday’s Game 3 or Wednesday’s Game 4 against the Tigers at Comerica Park.
Wilson termed Naylor’s situation “a personal matter” and added “we’ll know more tomorrow.”
“It’s kind of a personal day for him, so he’ll be back, and we’re looking forward to it,” Wilson said.
With Naylor expected to go on paternity leave at some point during the ALDS, the Mariners included rookie third baseman Ben Williamson on their 26-man roster for the series. Usual third baseman Eugenio Suárez has also worked out at first base, a position he has played just a handful of times in his career.
The 28-year-old Naylor has been a popular member of the team since coming over from the Arizona Diamondbacks before the MLB trade deadline in late July. He hit .299 with nine home runs and 19 stolen bases on 19 attempts in 54 regular season games after joining the Mariners.
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Naylor, who now has 21 games of postseason experience over four different trips to the playoffs, is 0 for 8 with a walk through the first two games of the ALDS.
Set to be a free agent after this season, the Mariners have been open about having interest in re-signing Naylor for next year.
The Mariners beat the Tigers 3-2 on Sunday night to even the best-of-five series at one win apiece. If the teams split the two upcoming games in Detroit, the series will return to Seattle’s T-Mobile Park on Friday for a decisive Game 5.
Game 3 of the ALDS is set for a 1:08 p.m. first pitch Tuesday. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports will begin with an extended pregame show at 11 a.m.
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