The Seattle Mariners have promoted their top prospect, infielder Colt Emerson, from Triple-A Tacoma ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the San Diego Padres.
To create space on the roster, Seattle moved infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan to the 10-day injured list due to a groin injury. The roster move dates back to May 16.
The 20-year-old Emerson is preparing for his first major league appearance, starting at third base and hitting ninth in the batting order against San Diego.
MLB Pipeline ranks Emerson as Seattle’s top prospect and sixth-best overall across all of baseball.
The Mariners noted that at 20 years and 301 days old, Emerson will become the youngest player to make his Seattle debut since right-hander Felix Hernandez, who was 19 years and 118 days old when he debuted on Aug. 4, 2005.
Among all players making their major league debuts this season, Emerson ranks as the second-youngest behind Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is 19.
The left-handed batter has compiled a .255 average with seven home runs and 26 RBIs across 38 games at Triple-A Tacoma this year. Seattle selected him in the first round of the 2023 draft, taking him 22nd overall.
Emerson secured his future with the organization on March 31, agreeing to an eight-year contract worth $95 million that runs through 2033, with Seattle holding an option for 2034.
The injured Donovan, 29, has posted a .274 batting average with three homers and eight RBIs in 25 games this season. Seattle acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals during the offseason.
