Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez Confirms He Will Participate in Home Run Derby
Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez may not end up representing the American League in the All-Star Game next month in Seattle, but he confirmed on Friday that he will participate in the home run derby for the second straight year.
He put the announcement out with a video on social media.
Rodriguez announced his presence to the baseball world at the derby last year in Los Angeles, finishing second to Juan Soto of the Nationals at the time.
The reigning American League Rookie of the Year, Rodriguez is one of the brightest stars in baseball and is the brightest Mariners star since Ken Griffey Jr. His presence during All-Star week will certainly be welcomed by the Seattle crowd that is hosting the events for the first time since 2001.
The goal is that Rodriguez also makes the team, but his numbers may not allow that. He's hitting .238 this season with a .300 on-base percentage. He has 12 homers, 39 RBI and 16 stolen bases.
Last year, he hit 28 homers and drove in 75 en route to the Rookie of the Year award. He also was an integral part of the Mariners making the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
They beat the Toronto Blue Jays in the wild card round before being swept in the ALDS by the Houston Astros.
The Mariners are currently 36-37 on the season and will open up a weekend series on Friday with the Baltimore Orioles. First pitch from Camden Yards is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
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