After a punishing two weeks of injuries, the Mariners get star center fielder Julio Rodríguez back in the lineup for the stretch against the Red Sox. Seattle also brings in right-handed bat Weston Wilson from Triple-A Tacoma and makes a roster move that sends
Seattle’s injury front has been brutal for two weeks. Friday changed the temperature in one key way: Julio Rodríguez is back.
Manager Dan Wilson said Rodríguez benefited from getting the day off and then arriving ready the next day. adding that the star center fielder “felt pretty good about where he’s at” and “so a chance to get back in there.” The excitement wasn’t subtle—Rodríguez “felt pretty good today. ” Wilson said. and “obviously [he’s] excited to get Julio back.”.
That return matters because the Mariners are about to face a three-game weekend series against the Red Sox, with a left-handed starting pitcher scheduled for each matchup. The left-handers listed in order are Ranger Suárez, Connelly Early and Payton Tolle.
Seattle’s numbers against southpaws have been a problem all season. Rodríguez leads the team with a .930 OPS vs. lefties, but the broader picture is stark: the Mariners’ collective .636 OPS vs. lefties is the sport’s lowest mark. It’s the reason the club made a roster move on Friday that adds a right-handed bat while reshaping its infield and outfield depth.
The Mariners selected infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson from Triple-A Tacoma. Wilson signed a Minor League contract with Seattle on Sunday, and was immediately inserted into the starting lineup on Friday, batting ninth and playing third base.
Wilson’s path to Seattle has been quick and slightly complicated. He was designated for assignment by the Orioles on June 6, then after clearing outright waivers, elected free agency rather than accepting an outright to Triple-A Norfolk.
In the corresponding move to put Wilson on the active roster and the 40-man roster, Miles Mastrobuoni—one of the utility pieces who has worn “many multi-positional hats” within the Mariners’ lineup, though for a short stint in 2026—was designated for assignment.
Wilson didn’t hide how hard it is to make that kind of move. He said. “Always difficult to lose a player who’s part of the family. as we talk about. ” and added that what “’Stro did here. particularly here in the last week. was outstanding and filled a lot of holes and played in a lot of different spots for us.” With the club “pretty banged up. ” Wilson said the organization “just can’t thank him enough for his effort here.”.
In plain terms, the decision comes down to handedness—especially with three straight lefty matchups looming. Beyond this weekend, the setup is straightforward: Mastrobuoni hits left-handed and Wilson hits right-handed. Both players also fill multiple spots; Wilson has experience all over the field. with the notable limitations that he has not played shortstop or catcher.
Before the Mastrobuoni transaction, seven of Seattle’s 13 position players on its active roster were hitters against left-handed pitching. That included the entire infield. except for Connor Joe. who on Wednesday took the roster spot of Randy Arozarena. one day after Arozarena was placed on the injured list.
Wilson framed the new addition as a chance for variability—something the Mariners’ lineup has needed. “I don’t know if it’s just this weekend; I think it’s just in general,” he said. “We are pretty left-handed-dominant. and so getting some variability in terms of versatility. in terms of where Weston can play. and then having that right-handed bat will help as well.”.
On the field, Wilson arrives with a résumé that gives Seattle reasons to believe the matchups will hold up. Wilson is 31 and, in his brief time at Tacoma, played in two games after playing in 21 games with the Orioles. Across that stretch. he slashed .231/.348/.333 (.681 OPS) with one homer. one double. three RBIs. two stolen bases. 11 strikeouts and six walks in 46 plate appearances.
Against left-handed pitching, Wilson’s career line is .248/.351/.456 (.807 OPS) across 174 plate appearances, good for 124 wRC+ with league average set at 100. Overall, Wilson has played in four big league seasons, mostly with the Phillies from 2023 to 2025.
There’s also a roster reality around Wilson that limits Seattle’s options. He’s out of Minor League options. meaning he would need to be designated for assignment again to be removed from the active roster. From there, to remain in the organization, he’d need to clear waivers and accept an outright to Tacoma.
Mastrobuoni faces the same kind of constraint. He is also out of options, so he’d need to meet the same criteria to remain in the organization. Given his skill set. Seattle could see interest from teams willing to claim him off waivers. or the Mariners could try to trade him. They have seven days to do so following the DFA.
The roster change lands while Mastrobuoni’s season is still getting going. He began the year on the injured list with a right calf strain sustained during the World Baseball Classic. then was activated for the first time last week in Baltimore. He has played in eight games and at four positions, going 5-for-23.
For Seattle, this weekend isn’t just another series. With Rodríguez back and the lineup reshaped for left-handed starters—Ranger Suárez. Connelly Early and Payton Tolle—the Mariners are betting that one key return and one strategic right-handed addition can steady an offense that has struggled mightily against southpaws.
Julio Rodríguez Mariners Red Sox Weston Wilson Miles Mastrobuoni Dan Wilson Triple-A Tacoma DFA AL injury news southpaws