Star slugger Julio Rodriguez was hitting sixth in the Seattle Mariners’ 5-0 defeat to the New York Yankees on Thursday, despite having spent the majority of the season and his career in the top two slots in the batting order.
Rodriguez discussed the adjustment with The Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish. He remarked, “I feel like I’m seeing a lot of pitches, having a lot of good at-bats, and picking my spots better.” However, they are pitching me extremely well. That benefits them greatly. However, I’m going to continue working and supporting the team in any manner I can.
“I feel good,” he said. “I feel healthy. And if the results are not there, I’m not going to get scared. I’m going to keep working at it and keep trying to get better and keep helping this team win.”
While many would take the change as a demotion, the Mariners star is instead focusing on the positives.
“I feel like every time that you hit like a little bit lower in the lineup you are able to see all the guys, who the (pitcher) is working and stuff like that,” Rodriguez said.
In 51 games this season, Julio Rodriguez has slashed .257/.306/.312 with five doubles, two homers, 14 RBI, 19 runs scored, 12 walks and 62 strikeouts in 216 plate appearances for the Mariners.
Hopefully for Rodriguez and the Mariners, the change helps him get going.
Mariners trade for bullpen help
Mike Baumann was acquired from the Orioles late Wednesday evening along with minor league catcher Michael Perez in exchange for minor league catcher Blake Hunt.
Baumann had been designated for assignment on Saturday by Baltimore after pitching against the Mariners the night before at Camden Yards.
He made 17 relief appearances this season with Baltimore, going 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA. The 2017 third-round draft pick spent parts of four seasons with the Orioles, compiling a 13-5 record with a 4.45 ERA.
Despite lacking huge swing-and-miss tallies, Baumann should deepen the Mariners’ middle relief group. The Jacksonville product has induced ground-balls at a solid 46.4% clip. He averages north of 96 MPH on his fastball and mixes in a knuckle-curve and slider with frequency. Baumann has between one and two years of major league service. Seattle can control him for four seasons beyond the current campaign and he won’t be eligible for arbitration until the 2025-26 offseason.
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