The Seattle Mariners scored a huge series win over the Yankees but the best news came in the form of the latest Julio Rodriguez update.
Whether it’s been his phenomenal play that has him on track to be a shoo-in to win American League Rookie of the Year, his electric performance in the Home Run Derby or the fact that he’s just a joy to watch on the field, Seattle Mariners youngster Julio Rodriguez is becoming one of the budding stars of baseball.
Unfortunately, he’s just not been on the field all that much since the All-Star break.
Though it was never confirmed or denied if it was related to his Home Run Derby appearance, Rodriguez was held out of the lineup right after the break with some wrist discomfort. He returned for a handful of games but then was hit by a pitch on the same wrist on July 30 and has been out of the Seattle lineup since.
That’s about to change, however.
Mariners: Julio Rodriguez on track to return Friday vs. Rangers
On Wednesday, the Mariners took the series finale against the Yankees to give Seattle a win in the series and maintain their position as a Wild Card team in the AL. But after the victory when manager Scott Servais talked to the media, he gave a terrific update on Rodriguez.
The young star’s batting cage session on Wednesday went extremely well and the manager sees Rodriguez rejoining the team on Friday in their series against the Texas Rangers.
Seattle has stayed quite alive in the Wild Card race and the club has held onto their current spot in the playoffs even with Rodriguez out of the lineup, going 6-5 over that span after Wednesday’s win over New York. However, there’s no denying that having the five-tool player that Rodriguez is would help make things a lot easier.
His return to the lineup couldn’t come at a better time. And as baseball fans, it’ll just be good to see him back out there as he’s one of the true joys to watch in MLB.