Seattle Mariners All-Star rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez, who was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning of Saturday’s win over the Houston Astros, was placed on the 10-day injured list.
X-rays were negative, but manager Scott Servais said Sunday that Rodriguez was experiencing soreness and probably wouldn’t be able to swing a bat for five days or so. The Mariners don’t want to take any chances with the prized rookie.
“Let’s do it right,” Servais said. “Let’s make sure he’s fully healthy when he comes back.”
Rodriguez swung at the pitch and missed, then was hit on the back of his hand by the ball. He struck out and took his spot in the outfield in the bottom of the inning, then was lifted for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.
Pinch hitter Abraham Toro hit a two-run single off Astros closer Ryan Pressly that gave the Mariners a 5-4 win.
In other Mariners moves, infielder/outfielder Dylan Moore was placed on the 10-day injured list with bask spasms, while left-hander Anthony Misiewicz was designated for assignment. Seattle recalled outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Tacoma and selected the contract of outfielder Jack Larsen from Double-A Arkansas.
A highly-touted prospect, Kelenic has yet to establish himself on the major league level. He batted just .181 with a .615 OPS in his long-awaited debut last season that lasted 93 games. Earlier this season, the 23-year-old batted .140 with a .509 OPS in 30 games before he was optioned in May.
The Mariners enter their final game of their four-game series with the Astros on Sunday 11 games behind American League West-leading Houston but sitting in the second AL wild-card spot.
Rodriguez has been key to the Mariners’ stellar July, in which they’re 18-6. The back-to-back reigning AL Rookie of the Month has hit .267 with 12 runs, five home runs and 18 RBIs in July.
On the season, the 21-year-old is batting .271 and leads the team in home runs (18) and RBIs (57).
–Field Level Media
