How important is rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez to the Seattle Mariners? They came out of the All-Star break on 14-game winning streak but are just 1-3 since, in part because Rodriguez has been out of the lineup with an injury. However, he is expected to play tonight in the Pacific Northwest for the second of a three-game set against the Texas Rangers.'The Mariners are -160 favorites at Caesars Sportsbook.
Rodriguez jammed his left wrist in the final game before the brea k but told manager Scott Servais he wasn't hurt afterward. J-Rod participated in the All-Star Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium, hitting 81 homers and finishing second to Juan Soto, and then played in the All-Star Game. An MRI performed on Rodriguez's wrist this past weekend showed bruising but no structural damage.
The 21-year-old is hitting .275 with 16 homers, 52 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He is the -380 favorite for AL Rookie of the Year. Rodriguez joined Ronald Acuna Jr., Mike Trout, Andruw Jones and Cesar Cedeno as the only players with at least 15 homers and 20 steals in any 81-game span at age 21 or younger. Rodriguez is +340 to homer tonight at Caesars and +260 to steal a base.
Another Seattle outfielder, Jesse Winker, didn't play Monday after spraining his ankle Sunday and is questionable tonight. Winker is hitting .229 with eight homers and 35 RBI.'