Rodriguez returns from concussion IL, hits walk-off sac fly
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Julio Rodriguez was activated from the seven-day concussion injured list Saturday and hit a sacrifice fly to left in the 10th inning, scoring Victor Robles for a 4-3, 10-inning win over the San Francisco Giants.
- Rodriguez went 0-for-4 as the Mariners' designated hitter and No. 2 batter, making the sac fly his second career walk-off plate appearance.
- The Mariners notched their seventh walk-off victory of the season in the extra-inning win.
- Rodriguez was struck in the back of the head by a ball on July 2 during a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels and placed on the seven-day IL the following day.
- Rodriguez has played 87 games this season, batting .259 with 15 doubles, 14 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases after a career-high 160 games last year.
- The Mariners designated utilityman Miles Mastrobuoni for assignment earlier in the day to clear a roster spot for Rodriguez's return.
Why it matters: The Mariners regain their three-time All-Star center fielder from a short-term absence and he immediately delivered the game-winning RBI despite going hitless on the day. Rodriguez has 14 homers and 40 RBIs across 87 games and played a career-high 160 last season, so his return preserves the Mariners' offensive core at the cost of utilityman Miles Mastrobuoni, who was designated for assignment to make room.
