Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez has turned a corner over the last two weeks, but in a way that's been uncommon for the three-time All-Star.
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners wrapped up a six-game homestand with a 3-3 record after a 5-4 win against the Athletics on Wednesday at T-Mobile Park.
The victory gave the Mariners a 7-6 mark in a stretch of 13-straight games without an day off. Seattle will have a much-needed off day Thursday before embarking on a six-game road trip, beginning with a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Despite not earning the amount of wins the organization would have wanted, the 13-game stretch marked a turned corner for several Seattle players, including its franchise superstar.
Three-time All-Star center fielder Julio Rodriguez is in the fifth season of his career. In his first four seasons, it's become a trend for Rodriguez to begin the season slow before heating up near the midway point.
Rodriguez's near-trademark slow start popped up again this year. But he's turned a corner sooner than has been typical for him in his career. He's also done it in a way that's been unusual compared based on previous seasons.
Over the 13 games-stretch, Rodriguez slashed .347/.429/.469 with an .898 OPS. He also hit one homer and had six RBIs. He's also reached base in 19 consecutive games and had two hits in each of the three games against the Athletics.
What's rare about Rodriguez's hot streak compared to past ones in his career is the absence of power.
Rodriguez has hit 20 homers in each year of his career. He hit 32 last year, which tied a career high. Almost every time Rodriguez has begun a hot streak, it's been marked by an uptick in his homers and extra-base hits almost every time.
That hasn't been the case this time around, but it's yielding results for him and Seattle.
With the game tied 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth inning against the A's on Sunday, catcher Cal Raleigh and Rodriguez hit back-to-back singles to set up first baseman Josh Naylor with a walk-off RBI single. All three hits came with two outs.
"I was super impressed with two outs," Mariners manager Dan Wilson said after the game Wednesday at T-Mobile Park. "Cal getting the one hit up the middle, Julio going in the hole and Naylor going the other way to win it. These guys — they continue to do the work."
In totality, Rodriguez has slashed .245/.339/.306 with a .645 OPS across 26 games this season. He's hit three doubles and a homer with eight RBIs and has stolen two bases in three attempts.
Rodriguez and Seattle will look to keep their momentum rolling against St. Louis at 5:15 p.m. PT on Friday.
George Kirby will be on the mound.
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