Seattle Mariners standout outfielder Julio Rodriguez made his return to the field Saturday, coming off the 7-day concussion injured list and stepping into the starting lineup as designated hitter in the club’s matchup with the San Francisco Giants.
Rodriguez had been sidelined since July 2, when he was hit in the back of the head by a thrown ball while running toward second base during a game against the Los Angeles Angels. The 25-year-old, who has earned three All-Star selections, sat out 10 games over the following two weeks — a stretch that also included the All-Star break.
Before going down with the injury, Rodriguez had built an eight-game on-base streak, posting a .414 batting average along with three RBIs, two stolen bases, and three walks during that run. Heading into Saturday, his overall 2025 numbers stood at a .259 average, 14 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases across 87 games.
The Mariners struggled without their star player, going just 3-7 during his absence. The team enters Saturday’s game at 48-50 on the season, sitting in second place in the American League West — one and a half games back of the Texas Rangers.
To make room on the roster, utility player Miles Mastrobuoni was designated for assignment. In 13 appearances this season, Mastrobuoni batted .192 with three runs scored and one RBI.
