Julio Rodriguez won’t be playing in the All-Star Game after all.
The Seattle Mariners’ centerfielder was one of the most criticized selections to the American League roster for the Midsummer Classic. He won’t be in Atlanta to be critiqued further, though.
Rodriguez told reporters Friday that he’s not going to be participating in the game, “citing the desire to rest and get ready for the second half of the season,” according to Tim Booth of the Seattle Times.
He’s not the first player to pull himself from the AL roster. Guardians superstar Jose Ramirez did the same thing as he deals with nagging injuries that aren’t enough to keep him out of Cleveland’s lineup but could probably use a few extra days to heal.
Rodriguez is hitting .244 this season with 11 homers and 15 steals.
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He has played his usual, exciting brand of defense in the outfield while providing flashes of prowess at the plate. He hasn’t been as consistent as many Seattle fans would like, though.
But at least Rodriguez is making a decision that could help him have a better second half than first half. The Mariners are in the playoff picture and need their stars to play like stars.
Julio will get to rest up, and then it’ll be partially on his All-Star shoulders to see how far Seattle can go.
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