Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez was reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Thursday ahead of the team’s weekend series with the host Texas Rangers beginning Friday.
Along with the rookie center fielder, catcher Curt Casali was also reinstated from the IL. Outfielder Jarred Kelenic was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma and catcher Luis Torrens was designated for assignment.
Rodriguez hasn’t played since July 30 due to ongoing right wrist soreness. He jammed his wrist while attempting to steal a base on July 17 in the final game before the All-Star break. He participated in the Home Run Derby and appeared in the All-Star Game later that week before starting to feel his wrist “getting a little bit worse.”
He returned to the Mariners’ lineup after missing four games, but on July 30 he was hit in the right hand by a pitch and left the game in the ninth inning. X-rays were negative.
The 21-year-old is batting .271 in 96 games. He’s tied for the team lead in home runs (18) and second in RBIs (57).
The Mariners acquired Casali from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline last week while Casali was still on the IL for a right oblique strain. The 33-year-old was batting .231 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 41 games as San Francisco’s No. 2 catcher.
Kelenic has had continuous struggles in his second major league season, batting .124 with just 12 RBIs. He’s struck out 47 times in 40 games.
Torrens was batting .214 with one homer and 10 RBIs over 45 appearances for Seattle.
–Field Level Media