Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) beats the throw to Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) to steal second base during the first inning at T-Mobile Park on July 3. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Julio Rodriguez Runs His Way into Seattle Mariners Record Books on Thursday

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 2:45 PM ET

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez used his legs to join a special group in franchise history on Thursday night against the Kansas City Royals.

Per Mariners PR:

--Julio Rodríguez collected 1 walk, recorded his 14th stolen base of the season, and his 100th career stolen base in the 1st inning, becoming the 10th player in franchise history with 100+ stolen bases.
--Rodríguez also became the 3rd fastest player in history to 100 career stolen bases (515 G), trailing only Julio Cruz (269 G) and Ichiro Suzuki (372 G ).

Julio Rodríguez (515 G) is the 3rd fastest player in @Mariners history to 100 career stolen bases, trailing only Julio Cruz (269 G) and Ichiro Suzuki (372 G). https://t.co/fdecHxBDrH
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) July 4, 2025

The Mariners lost the game 3-2, but they still hold a 1.5-game lead in the battle for the third and final wild card spot.

Rodriguez has run well this season, stealing 14 bases, but it's been a generally frustrating year for him at the plate. Though he's hitting for a decent average (.252), he has just 11 home runs and a .310 on-base percentage. He's struggled to get the ball in the air and seen his slugging percentage fall to .395.

Still just 24 years old, Rodriguez is a two-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger. Despite his struggles at the plate, he should be in contention for a Gold Glove award in the outfield.

The Mariners are 45-42 and they will kick off a new series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday afternoon for the July 4 holiday. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. PT as right-hander Bryan Woo pitches against left-hander Bailey Falter.

Woo is 7-4 with a 2.93 ERA.

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

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