Mariners OF Julio Rodríguez goes on 7-day concussion injured list after taking throw to back of helmet
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez has been placed on the seven-day concussion injured list, the team announced on Friday.
Rodríguez, 25, left Thursday's 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels after he was hit on the back of the helmet by a throw while running the bases in the first inning.
The Mariners' All-Star drew a walk and was running to second base on a grounder by DH Dominic Canzone. Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel tried to start a double play, but his throw to second hit Rodríguez's head as he slid into the bag. The ricochet off his helmet allowed Rodríguez to advance to third base.
Here’s another look at Julio Rodríguez conferring with Mariners head athletic trainer Kyle Torgerson in the home dugout...
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) July 3, 2026
And the play itself, in which he took the 78.2 mph throw off the back of his helmet: pic.twitter.com/DY2qPgl6AG
After reaching third safely, Rodríguez crouched down, which compelled head trainer Kyle Torgerson and Mariners manager Dan Wilson to check on him. Rodríguez stayed in the game and played center field in the top of the second inning.
However, after the Angels were retired in order, Rodríguez talked to Torgerson in the dugout and went to the clubhouse. He was replaced in the lineup by Victor Robles. Schanuel's throw was clocked at 78.2 mph.
Following the game, the Mariners announced that Rodríguez was going through concussion protocol and would be evaluated again on Friday.
Dan Wilson on the decision to put Julio on the IL, and what he was feeling today⬇️
— Marine Layer Podcast (@MarineLayerPod) July 3, 2026
“He just wasn’t feeling like himself” pic.twitter.com/sIj9ajozs2
"As he said last night when he got [to third base], when the adrenaline ran out, he felt light-headed at the time," Wilson told reporters before Friday's matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays. "He just wasn't feeling himself. Came in today, didn't feel himself again."
"With head injuries, you have to be so careful," he added. "Giving him the extra time and precautions is definitely the way to go at this point."
Rodríguez has a slash line of .259/.323/.424 and is tied for the team lead with 14 home runs. He's also hit 15 doubles with 40 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 87 games.
Robles also left Thursday's game after being hit by a pitch in the third inning. Wilson told reporters afterwards that X-rays on his right forearm were negative.
To fill Rodríguez's spot on the major-league roster, utilityman Miles Mastrobuoni was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, where he played second base, third base and left field. He played eight games with the Mariners earlier this season.
