The Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez bats during a spring game against the Dodgers on March 9, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

The Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez bats during a spring game against the Dodgers on March 9, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Prized M’s prospect Rodriguez out with fractured hand

The 18-year-old West Virginia outfielder will miss 4-6 weeks.

  • Ryan Divish The Seattle Times
  • Friday, April 19, 2019 6:06pm
  • SportsMariners

By Ryan Divish / The Seattle Times

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Julio Rodriguez’s rapid rise through the Seattle Mariners’ minor-league system has been sidetracked. No, it wasn’t the difficulty of jumping from the Dominican Summer League to Low-A West Virginia as an 18-year-old. He had a slash line of .355/.442/.452 with three doubles and three RBI in nine games.

Instead, it was a wayward fastball from Augusta Greenjackets right-hander Jake Wong on April 12 that put Rodriguez’s progression on standby. The ball struck Rodriguez on the left hand, producing a hairline fracture in his third metacarpal. Initial X-rays came back negative and Rodriguez’s return was day to day. But later tests revealed the fracture.

Rodriguez was officially placed on West Virginia’s 7-day injured list three days ago.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said via text message that the organization is going to be careful with the injury. Hand and wrist injuries for position players can linger if not properly rested and healed. They will not rush Rodriguez back from the injury.

“We’ll be careful,” Dipoto said. “Expecting he’ll miss 4-6 weeks.”

Rodriguez is rated as the No. 5 overall prospect in the Mariners organization by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline. He has power, athleticism and oozes potential.

“Definitely a bummer,” Dipoto said. “But it shouldn’t be anything more than a small speed bump.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Tips Week in Review: Everett clinches regular season title

Silvertips top Spokane twice, Portland once and secure Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy.

Kamiak players huddle during a 4A softball game between Kamiak and Jackson at Kamiak High School on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Mukilteo, Washington. Jackson won, 9-0. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Monday, March 17

Kamiak hangs on for win in wild seventh inning.

Prep baseball roundup for Monday, March 17

Lakewood wins lopsided game over Lynnwood.

Prep roundup for Monday, March 17

Stanwood, Shorewood sweep girls tennis opponents.

Southwest Kansas Storm quarterback Jalen Morton (7) bulls his way into the end zone on fourth down in the first quarter of the Washington Wolfpack's 63-33 loss at Angel of the Winds Arena on March 16, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Wolfpack woeful in AF1 opener

Everett’s Arena Football One team fall 63-33 to SW Kansas.

Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams waves after a 30-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Inglewood, California. (Harry How / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Seahawks sign Kupp, but where’s the beef?

GM John Schneider acknowledges lack of offensive line upgrades.

Monroe’s AJ Welch throws a pitch during the game against Kamiak on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Monroe baseball bounces back with first win of the season

The 2024 Wesco 3A/2A North champs avenged an opener loss with a 10-0 win over Kamiak.

Dave Boling: Underseeded Gonzaga dealt tough path

Zags are used to defying the odds at the NCAA Tournament

Jackson’s Austin Halvorson (22) pitches during a baseball game between Jackson and Glacier Peak at Glacier Peak High School on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. Glacier Peak won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for March 14-15

Cascade, Jackson pick up weekend wins.

Everett’s Mia Hoekendorf (5) pitches during a Class 3A District 1 softball championship game between Snohomish and Everett at Phil Johnson Fields in Everett, Washington on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Everett won, 10-0. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for March 14-15

Everett, Terrace use late rallies for weekend wins.

Prep boys soccer roundup for March 14-15

Prep boys soccer roundup for March 14-15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report… Continue reading

Monroe freshman pitcher Addelyn Bryant releases a pitch to Glacier Peak's Emma Hirshorn in the bottom of the seventh inning of Monroe softball's 3-0 win in Monroe, Washington on March 13, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald).
Pair of freshmen lift new-look Monroe softball to opening day win

Bryant tosses complete-game shutout, Jeske has 2 RBI in 3-0 win against Glacier Peak.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.