The Seattle Mariners welcomed back one of their biggest stars before Saturday's game against the San Francisco Giants, reinstating Julio Rodríguez from the 7-day concussion-injured list. The move comes after the All-Star outfielder missed 10 games following a collision during a July 2 contest against the Los Angeles Angels.
Rodríguez returned immediately to Seattle's starting lineup, batting second as the designated hitter as the Mariners looked to gain ground in the American League West. His activation gives the club a significant boost with the second half of the season underway.
To make room on both the active and 40-man rosters, the Mariners designated utility player Miles Mastrobuoni for assignment. Mastrobuoni appeared in 13 games for Seattle this season, batting .192 with five hits and one RBI.
Rodríguez returns after producing another solid campaign before his injury. Across 87 games, the 25-year-old is batting .259 with 14 home runs, 40 RBIs, 46 runs scored and 12 stolen bases while continuing to serve as the centerpiece of Seattle's lineup.
His return comes at an important time for the Mariners, who entered Saturday with a 48-50 record and sitting second in the American League West, just 1.5 games behind the division-leading Texas Rangers.
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Seattle hopes Rodríguez's return can provide an immediate spark as it continues chasing both the division title and an American League Wild Card spot. The club has remained within striking distance despite playing without its franchise outfielder over the past week.
With Rodríguez back in the lineup and healthy, the Mariners regain one of baseball's most dynamic offensive threats as they open a key series against the Giants.
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