Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez is once again off to a slow start at the plate. In his five-year career, Rodriguez has routinely struggled during the first half of seasons before taking off after the All-Star break.
Across 74 games, the 25-year-old has posted a .248 batting average, .310 on-base percentage, .736 OPS, 13 home runs and 35 RBIs, right around league average and well below his career norms.
After all, he is a former American League Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. Fortunately, Rodriguez is still a valuable player thanks to the elite defense he provides at a premium position in center field.
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He also provides value through his availability. Rodriguez has appeared in all 75 games so far for the Mariners, which has been especially important considering the injuries that have piled up around him.
Unfortunately, that streak may be in jeopardy. During Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, Rodriguez was removed in the top of the seventh inning.
He was replaced by Rob Refsnyder, who took over in right field, shifting Victor Robles to the vacant spot in center field. There was no immediate explanation for his exit, but Rodriguez was seen talking to trainers before heading back into the clubhouse.
After the game, manager Dan Wilson announced the reason for his removal. "Dan Wilson said Julio Rodriguez had a spasm in his hamstring," reported Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times.
It is unclear how severe the hamstring issue is and whether it is a day-to-day situation or one that could lead to an injured list stint.
If Rodriguez is unavailable for an extended stretch, it would come at a difficult time for the Mariners, who are also currently without Randy Arozarena due to his own injury.
If the issue is not serious, Rodriguez will hope to return to the starting lineup Thursday for the series finale against the Orioles.
