Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor has returned to the team for Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers. Naylor, who missed the team’s trip to Detroit due to personal reasons, is batting fifth and playing first base in this crucial matchup.
Naylor’s absence earlier this week was linked to the impending birth of his first child with his wife, Chantel Collado. The couple’s original due date coincided with Game 1 of the ALDS, which took place on October 7, 2025, according to the Seattle Times. Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed enthusiasm about Naylor’s return, stating, “Josh is here. He’s in the lineup. We’re excited to have him back in the lineup and excited to get started here today with Game 3.”
Wilson had previously deferred to Naylor regarding his absence during a workout on October 6 at Comerica Park. He did not provide further details beyond stating it was “due to personal reasons.” Naylor was not available to the media on Tuesday, following postseason protocols.
As the series stands tied at 1-1, Naylor’s performance has been under scrutiny. He participated in both Games 1 and 2 in Seattle, recording no hits in eight at-bats but managing one walk. In those games, he batted fourth on Saturday and sixth on Sunday. Despite these struggles, Naylor has been a significant contributor for the Mariners this season.
The 28-year-old Canadian boasts a batting average of .295, having hit 20 home runs and accumulated 92 RBIs throughout the 2025 season. Since his trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks in July, he has achieved nine home runs and 33 RBIs. Naylor is also a notable player from his time with the Cleveland Guardians, where he was named an All-Star in 2024.
Over his career, Naylor has maintained a .269 batting average with a total of 104 home runs and 435 RBIs across 745 regular-season games played for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Diamondbacks, and Mariners. He was selected 12th overall in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins.
As the Mariners prepare for their pivotal game against the Tigers, Naylor’s return could be a critical factor in their quest for postseason advancement.