Mariners' Rodriguez exits in 1st inning vs. Athletics with back tightness
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez left Thursday's game against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning with low back tightness, the team announced.
The 21-year-old doubled in his first at-bat to lead off the game, but he departed the field with a trainer in the bottom half of the inning.
Rodriguez was replaced in the lineup by Sam Haggerty, who shifted to left field. Jarred Kelenic moved from left to center.
Back tightness has hampered Rodriguez recently, causing him to miss three straight games. Mariners manager Scott Servais said the situation is "concerning."
Servais called the situation with Julio's back "concerning." Nothing specific sparked it, just started to lock up on him. Will be further examined tomorrow.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) September 22, 2022
The American League Rookie of the Year front-runner entered Thursday's contest hitting .279/.341/.499 with 27 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 25 steals.
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