Seattle Mariners All-Star centre fielder Julio Rodriguez left Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the bottom of the sixth inning due to lower-back tightness.
Left fielder A.J. Pollock replaced Rodriguez in the leadoff spot of the batting order while Jarred Kelenic slid over to centre in the field.
Rodriguez entered the game hitting a .236/.300/.445 slash line this season, with five home runs and 13 RBIs.
He was 1-for-3 at the plate Saturday, hitting a single to start the third inning and then stealing second base, but he was left stranded as Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman struck out the side.
The 22-year-old earned the American League Rookie of the Year award plus a Silver Slugger Award while also competing in the All-Star Game.
