Perhaps the biggest star of the MLB season is headed to the disabled list.
The Seattle Mariners placed rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez on the disabled list on Sunday with a wrist injury. The good news for Rodriguez is that x-rays of the injury came back negative. But he will be sidelined for several days, possibly longer, after being hit by a pitch in Saturday’s 5-4 win over the Houston Astros.
The injury occurred in the eighth inning. Rodriguez threw 97 miles per hour off Astros reliever Rafael Montero. The inside pitch hit Rodriguez in the right wrist, leaving him in obvious pain.
He remained in the game on defense, but was finally lifted for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning when he failed to throw a batter. He told reporters that “it felt weird right away” when he tried to handle a bat. Although the X-rays were negative, Rodriguez is scheduled for more tests on his wrist, including an MRI, according to Mariners manager Scott Servais.
“We’re going to do everything the right way to make sure he and our medical staff have a clear idea of what it is,” Servais told reporters Sunday.
The Mariners estimated that the inflammation in his wrist would keep Rodriguez from swinging a bat for five days. They declined to offer a prognosis or a further timetable.
Retaliation of the sailors?
The first pitch of Sunday’s game from Mariners starter George Kirby hit Astros All-Star Jose Altuve in the shoulder.
Altuve took first base without further incident.
Will the Mariners stay in the playoff hunt?
Rodriguez, 21, joined the Mariners MLB roster as one of baseball’s top prospects shortly before the start of the season. He has exceeded his lofty expectations with a great campaign so far that includes an All-Star berth and an invitation to the Home Run Derby. He was the favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year before his injury.
Through 96 MLB games, Rodriguez is slashing .271/.334/.482 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI. His 21 stolen bases were the fifth most in MLB on Sunday. He continued his star turn in the Home Run Derby in early July with a Derby-best 81 home runs before falling to champion Juan Soto in the final round. He was the only rookie to compete in the Derby. He has helped lead the Mariners into playoff contention with a 55-48 record through Sunday.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 30: Julio Rodriguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners is injured on strike three in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on July 30, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)