Mariners' Julio Rodriguez: Back from illness Friday
Rotowire
Rodriguez (illness) is starting in center field and batting second in Friday's split-squad game against the Reds.
Rodriguez has been dealing with an illness this week but is ready to rejoin the lineup Friday after taking a few days to rest up. The 24-year-old totaled 20 homers and 24 steals in 143 games last season but also had a career-worst .734 OPS. Rodriguez is batting just .229 through 13 spring games but has found his power stroke with three long balls.
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Mariners' Julio Rodriguez: Falls ill Monday
Rotowire
Rodriguez was scratched from the lineup for Monday's Cactus League game against the Athletics due to an illness, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.
Rodriguez wasn't feeling well upon reporting to the ballpark Monday, so he'll likely receive a day or two off before making his return to the lineup. Luke Raley will start in center field Monday in Rodriguez's stead. The 22-year-old outfielder has already logged 35 at-bats in Cactus League play, batting .229 with three home runs and one stolen base.
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Mariners' Julio Rodriguez: Goes deep twice Wednesday
Rotowire
Rodriguez homered twice in Wednesday's Cactus League game against Kansas City and now has five RBI in 16 at-bats this spring.
After launching a solo shot off Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen in the first inning Wednesday, Rodriguez belted another solo shot in the fourth frame for his first long balls of the spring. The star outfielder is off to a hot start in the Cactus League, which is an encouraging sign for both the Mariners and fantasy managers ahead of the regular season. Seattle's offense mostly struggled last year and didn't see any significant additions this past offseason, but Rodriguez should operate as the lineup's engine in 2025 and holds five-category upside despite coming off a career-worst .734 OPS.
Mariners' Julio Rodriguez: Extends hitting streak with homer
Rotowire
Rodriguez went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's win over Houston.
Rodriguez extended his hitting streak to seven games with his ninth-inning homer, his 20th of the season, giving him his third straight 20-20 campaign to begin his career. After disappointing for most of the season, Rodriguez has finally found his groove as the Mariners make their final push towards the playoffs. The 23-year-old is 14-for-36 (.389) with four home runs, 13 RBI, eight runs scored and two stolen bases during his seven-game hitting streak, leading the Mariners to a 5-2 record to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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