Seattle Mariners Mega-Star Dealing with Hand Injury, Out Multiple Days

Seattle Mariners' star Julio Rodriguez won't be making his spring training debut for the next few days because of inflammation in his left hand.

Per Mariners' reporter Shannon Drayer on social media:

Julio is dealing with inflammation on the top of his left hand. It has been checked out, not serious, should return this weekend.

Julio is dealing with inflammation on the top of his left hand. It has been checked out, not serious, should return this weekend.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) February 26, 2024

It's good to hear that it's not perceived to be a serious issue because Rodriguez is one of the best players in all of baseball and someone the Mariners absolutely cannot afford to lose.

The 23-year-old hit .275 with 32 homers and 103 RBI a season ago. He also stole 37 bases and made the All-Star Game for the second straight year.

It was quite the follow-up performance to his Rookie of the Year season in 2022 when he hit .284 with 28 homers and 75 RBI. In addition to being an All-Star, he was the runner-up in that year's Home Run Derby.

Rodriguez will be leaned on heavily again in 2024 as he pairs with newcomers Mitch Garver and Luke Raley, catcher Cal Raleigh, and outfielder Mitch Haniger to make up the nucleus of the Mariners middle-of-the-order.

Seattle went 88-74 a season ago and missed the playoffs by 1.0 game. They finished third in the American League West and will have their hands full in that division once again this year. The Texas Rangers just won the World Series and return most of their potent offense, while the Astros have been to the ALCS in three consecutive seasons. They also won the World Series in 2022.

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