Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) leads off second base during the third inning against Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park on June 13. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Julio Rodriguez Makes a Little Personal History With Home Run in Seattle Mariners Win

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 11-2 on Monday night as Julio Rodriguez finally connected on his 11th home run of the season.

Lacing a 1-2 changeup from Bailey Ober in the top of the third inning, Rodriguez rifled the ball out to left center field, making a little personal history in the process.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

JULIOOO

This pitch was 1.40 ft above the ground, the second-lowest pitch he’s homered off of in his career

JULIOOO

This pitch was 1.40 ft above the ground, the second-lowest pitch he’s homered off of in his career https://t.co/4HzBcLkaPP
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 24, 2025

Rodriguez has been guilty of chasing pitches most of the season, so for him to finally connect on something out of the zone is refreshing for everyone to see. Furthermore, it was nice to see Rodriguez hit the ball in the air after a seasons worth of ground balls. (He's in the ninth percentile of chase rate, per Baseball Savant).

Despite his general struggles at elevating the ball, he is still hitting .254 with 39 RBIs. He also has a 113 OPS+ and should be in consideration for his third All-Star Game appearance. He still runs the bases well and plays elite defense in center field.

In addition to his homer, he also had a two-RBI double in the top of the ninth inning, finishing the game at 2-for-5. Cal Raleigh also went 2-for-5, hitting his 32nd homer of the season.

The Mariners are now 40-37 and remain 4.5 games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West. They'll take on the Twins again on Tuesday afternoon at 4:40 p.m. PT.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: