Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez was removed from Monday’s 8-0 win against the Cincinnati Reds as a precaution after being struck by a throw. Manager Dan Wilson confirmed the decision was a safety measure, noting the team is not currently concerned about a long-term injury for the star outfielder.
The Injury Sequence in the Fifth Inning
The incident occurred during the bottom of the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. After hitting an infield single that scored Victor Robles and broke a scoreless tie, Rodríguez was hit in the upper hamstring and glute area by an 85.9 mph throw from Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. While Rodríguez remained in the game to finish the inning, he was observed grabbing the back of his left leg shortly after the play.
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Precautionary Measures and Medical Status
Despite the nature of the collision, the Mariners’ training staff expressed optimism. The team appears to be managing Rodríguez carefully, particularly because he was only recently activated from the 7-day concussion injured list on July 18, following a separate incident where he was hit in the back of the head by a throw on July 2.
Manager Dan Wilson described the decision to pull Rodríguez as a quick decision, stating that he and the training staff felt it was best given the player’s recent stint on the injured list.
The team is monitoring his status on a day-to-day basis, with the potential for his return as early as Tuesday’s series continuation. CBS Sports confirmed that while the team is not overly concerned, they prioritized caution to ensure the injury does not escalate.
Lineup Adjustments and Team Context
Rodríguez’s exit triggered several defensive shifts for the Mariners. Victor Robles moved from right field to center, while Weston Wilson entered the game to cover right field. The team also managed the health of other players during the same game; Dominic Canzone experienced back discomfort after an aggressive swing, though he remained in the lineup to finish his at-bats.
The Mariners were simultaneously dealing with the absence of shortstop J.P. Crawford, who was scratched from the starting lineup approximately two hours before the first pitch. Crawford, who had been transitioning to third base, was evaluated by head athletic trainer Kyle Torgerson on Sunday after wincing while swinging. The club has not provided a definitive timeline for Crawford, who previously missed time in June due to a hand contusion.
As the team looks to build momentum following a series win against the San Francisco Giants, the availability of key contributors remains a focal point. With the Mariners aiming to maintain their standing in the AL West, the status of both Rodríguez and Crawford will be critical to monitor as the series against Cincinnati progresses.
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