Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez had to exit Thursday’s home contest against the Los Angeles Angels after being struck in the head by a wayward throw during the game.
Rodriguez had drawn a walk with one out in the bottom of the first inning. The next batter, Dominic Canzone, hit a ground ball to Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who attempted to fire the ball to second base to complete an inning-ending double play. Instead, the throw struck Rodriguez in the back of his batting helmet just as he began his slide into the bag. The ball bounced away into center field. Rodriguez reacted by pumping his fist and shouting toward the dugout, but then doubled over with his hands resting on his knees.
Mariners head athletic trainer Kyle Torgerson and manager Dan Wilson both came out onto the field to check on Rodriguez, spending a few minutes speaking with him and third-base coach Carlos Cardoza. After that evaluation, Rodriguez was allowed to remain in the game.
He returned to his position in center field to start the top of the second inning. However, during the bottom of that same inning, Rodriguez was spotted on the bench in conversation with Torgerson once again. Shortly after, he left the field with the trainer and headed into the clubhouse.
When the Mariners returned to the field for the third inning, Victor Robles had taken over in center field in Rodriguez’s place.
