The Mariners finally have Julio Rodríguez back, and the timing could hardly be better for a lineup that was blanked by the San Francisco Giants to open the seco
Jun 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez rounds third base en route to scoring during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Mariners finally have Julio Rodríguez back, and the timing could hardly be better for a lineup that was blanked by the San Francisco Giants to open the second half. The M’s activated Rodríguez from the seven-day concussion IL before Saturday’s game. To clear room on the active roster, the Mariners DFA’d utility player Miles Mastrobuoni.game against the Los Angeles Angels.
He was advancing from first base on a Dominic Canzone ground ball when Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel attempted to begin a double play. Instead, the throw struck Rodríguez and bounced into the outfield. There’s no other way to put it, the Mariners are better when Rodríguez is in the lineup. He returns slashing .259/.323/.424 with 14 home runs, 40 RBI, 12 steals and a 113 OPS+.
Those numbers may not represent theHis return doesn’t eliminate the Mariners’ need for another bat, nor does it suddenly make an inconsistent lineup complete. Miles Mastrobuoni DFA’d as Brendan Donovan Moves Rehab to Tacoma Mastrobuoni was always vulnerable once Rodríguez was cleared to return. The Mariners added him to provide temporary depth while Julio was sidelined, and that need disappeared the moment he came off the IL. His designation also opens a spot on Seattle’s 40-man roster.
That doesn’t mean we need to start refreshing the transaction wire thinking a blockbuster is coming. But flexibility is important. The Mariners can now add a player through a trade, promote someone who isn’t currently on the 40-man roster or leave the opening available until another move becomes necessary. Donovan’s move from the Arizona Complex League to Tacoma is a great sign, but it could create another decision soon enough.
Advancing to Triple-A puts him one step closer to returning from the groin injury that has kept him out, and his eventual activation would give Seattle another established hitter capable of moving around the field. Tremayne Person is the Publisher for Mariners On SI and the Site Expert at Friars on Base, with additional bylines across FanSided’s MLB division.
He founded the Keep It Electric podcast in 2023 and covers baseball with a blend of analysis, context, and a little well-timed side-eye just to keep things honest. Tremayne grew up a Mariners fan in Richmond, Va. , and that passion ultimately led him to move to Seattle to cover the team closely and become a regular at home games. Through his writing, he connects with fans who want a deeper, more personal understanding of the game.
When he’s not at T-Mobile Park, he’s with his dog, gaming, or finding the next storyline worth digging into.
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