Julio Rodriguez News Emerges After Removal From Mariners Lineup

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Julio Rodriguez News Emerges After Removal From Mariners Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jun 18, 2026 4:01 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners are going to be without center fielder Julio Rodriguez for the first time all season. The 25-year-old Dominican superstar suffered an injury during Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles in the late innings while attempting to catch a ball in the outfield.

After the game, Mariners manager Dan Wilson confirmed he had a hamstring spasm. On Thursday, ahead of Seattle’s series finale against Baltimore, the team decided to remove him from the lineup, marking his first absence all season and likely ending his streak of 75 straight games played.

While it is disappointing to see one of the faces of the franchise out, it appears his absence will not be a long one.

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Before the game, Rodriguez was seen running with trainers and moving well. The Mariners' reason for benching Rodriguez was simply because of having a day game immediately after a night game.

His setback should not require a stint on the injured list (h/t Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times).

Rodriguez will look to slot right back into the starting lineup on Friday for Seattle’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox.

Julio Rodriguez is out doing some running with the trainers and strength coaches watching. He was moving well. The Mariners decided to rest him with a day game after a night game
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) June 18, 2026

When he does return, he will look to use the day off as a reset button so he can get back to the peak of his powers. Historically, Rodriguez has always struggled during the opening months of the season before exploding after the All-Star break, and it appears to be no different this year.

Across 75 games, he has posted a .249 batting average, .310 on-base percentage, .739 OPS, 13 home runs and 35 RBIs. While he is still an above-average hitter, those numbers fall short of the standards he has set for himself as a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger.

The Mariners are in first place in the American League West, and he remains a central part of their plans to make another deep run in October. He just has to stay healthy to do so, and the Mariners are playing it safe with his hamstring.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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