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Mariners Make Unfortunate Julio Rodriguez Announcement Before Astros Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 22, 2025 8:59 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners have been one of MLB's most impressive teams in 2025. After a second place finish in the AL West last season, Seattle entered Thursday with a 28-20 record that has the team in first place. Set to begin a critical series with the second place Houston Astros, the Mariners are looking to strengthen their lead atop the division.

While Seattle is known for its pitching staff, the Mariners rank fourth in the AL in runs scored. Tied for the team lead in that category is superstar outfielder Julio Rodriguez, who despite being amid a down year, still boasts a 112 OPS+ that makes him a staple in the middle of Seattle's order.

Initially slated to bat third and play center field in Thursday's series opener against the Astros, Rodriguez was scratched less than an hour before game time. The Mariners made this unfortunate announcement, yet told reporters no additional news would be revealed until postgame.

"Julio Rodríguez has been scratched from tonight's lineup, the Mariners just announced," Daniel Kramer of MLB.com wrote on X. "No word yet why, and there won't be an update until postgame."

Julio Rodríguez has been scratched from tonight's lineup, the Mariners just announced.

No word yet why, and there won't be an update until postgame.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) May 22, 2025

Regardless of the reason, which will seemingly be revealed postgame, Rodriguez's absence is especially unfortunate for Seattle given the timing. Thursday's contest begins arguably the biggest series of the season to this point for Seattle, as the team is looking to build on its 3.5 game lead over Houston.

The Mariners announced Rodriguez is being replaced in center by switch-hitting outfielder Leody Taveras, who is hitting just .182 since being picked up by Seattle off waivers from the Texas Rangers.

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

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