After struggling with a .202 batting average in April, Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez has found his rhythm in May.
Heading into major road matchup against the Chicago White Sox, Rodríguez has recorded a hit in seven consecutive games and in 11 of his last 12 appearances.
Two-time All-Star Julio Rodríguez launched an eighth-inning grand slam on Monday, blowing the game open in Seattle’s 5-1 series-opening win.
“I guess it means my swing’s in a good place,” Rodríguez said. “I’m just trying to keep building off that and carry it into the next game.”
Thanks to timely hitting and strong pitching, the Mariners sit atop the AL West. Rookie third baseman Ben Williamson chipped in with a three-hit effort Monday after managing just two hits in his previous 19 at-bats (.105). On the mound, Seattle owns a 3.66 team ERA—among the best in the majors—and closer Andrés Muñoz leads the American League with 15 saves. Mariners pitchers also retired 17 straight White Sox hitters at one point during Monday’s win.
Chicago rookie shortstop Chase Meidroth bookended that streak, singling in the third and drawing a walk to open the ninth. He enters Tuesday’s game riding a seven-game hitting streak, during which he’s 11-for-27 (.407), and owns a .286 average across 84 at-bats this season.
“He’s hit the ground running, which you don’t see often,” said outfielder Michael A. Taylor. “It’s a credit to his mature approach at the plate.” Acquired from Boston in the offseason deal for lefty Garrett Crochet, Meidroth has been a bright spot during a rough patch for the White Sox, who’ve now lost five straight games. Despite being swept by the Cubs over the weekend and outscored 26-8, Meidroth led off each contest with a base hit.
Right-hander Bryse Wilson (0-2, 6.00 ERA) will get the start for Chicago on Tuesday. He’s struggled as a starter in May, going 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA across three outings, including a rough appearance Thursday in which he gave up seven runs on 10 hits to the Reds. However, Wilson has had past success against Seattle, allowing just one run in 4 2/3 innings over two relief appearances.
The Mariners are expected to add right-hander Casey Lawrence to the roster ahead of major game, with the possibility that he could get the start. Manager Dan Wilson said the team will “go from there” once Lawrence is officially back in the mix.
Lawrence (1-1, 4.97 ERA) recently signed a minor league deal with Seattle after starting the season with the Mariners. He was claimed off waivers by Toronto but opted for free agency when the Blue Jays removed him from their 40-man roster.
Against the White Sox, Lawrence has made two career relief appearances, posting a 5.40 ERA over 3 1/3 innings.