Just hours before Tuesday’s game, Julio Rodriguez sat barefoot on the manicured outfield grass at Dodger Stadium, stretching and meditating while the Dodgers took early batting practice. Despite the potential risk of a stray ball, Rodriguez appeared unfazed, fully immersed in his pre-game routine. However, the big question remains: when will he return to the outfield?
Manager Scott Servais addressed this, saying, “It’s a good question. We talked a lot about getting him back in center here in this series, even as much as yesterday. But being smart with where he’s at with the running speed — he is up to top speed, but you can control it more on offense than you can on defense. It’s the sudden starting and stopping. Also, this field plays extremely fast. So we’ll tap the brakes on that a little bit. I think there’s a better chance you see him play center field when we get back to Seattle.” Rodriguez, who returned on August 11 as a designated hitter after missing 17 games with a high right ankle sprain, has been taking fly balls and working in center field during the road trip, gradually regaining confidence in his ankle.
Meanwhile, catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the Mariners in home runs (27), RBIs (78), and runs scored (53) this season, had a lengthy chat with his agent, Scott Boras, during pregame activities. Raleigh is set for a significant pay increase in 2025 as he becomes arbitration eligible for the first time. Currently earning the MLB minimum of $785,000, Raleigh is expected to seek over $5 million in arbitration, given his outstanding production and durability. Despite fans clamoring for an extension for Raleigh, no serious discussions have taken place between the Mariners and Boras, who typically prefers to take his clients to free agency for better deals. Raleigh has previously expressed willingness to discuss an extension if the offer is fair and realistic.
Raleigh isn’t the only Mariner due for a pay raise. Logan Gilbert, who earned $4.1 million this season in his first year of arbitration eligibility, is likely to double his salary in 2025. Additionally, George Kirby is expected to reach Super 2 status, making him arbitration eligible next season, where he could see a similar salary bump to what Gilbert received this year.
