SEATTLE -- The Mariners lost two everyday players from their starting lineup on Monday, as J.P. Crawford was scratched about two hours before first pitch against the Reds and Julio Rodríguez was forced to exit to begin the top of the sixth inning.
Rodríguez, who was just activated from the 7-day concussion IL on Saturday, took an 85.9 mph throw from Elly De La Cruz off his left leg/hip area when legging out an RBI infield single a half-inning earlier.
He also reached first base hard upon impact, and the combination of both was why the Mariners made what manager Dan Wilson described as a precautionary move.
“He's good,” manager Dan Wilson said. “Julio, busting down the line, and he got the ball off the leg, and we kind of had to make a quick decision. And just thought that it was the best moment there, just coming off of what he's coming off of to get him out, and we'll see how he is tomorrow."
Rodríguez's knock put the Mariners on the board and broke a scoreless tie. Then Cal Raleigh crushed a grand slam as part of a six-run seventh that propelled Seattle to an 8-0 win.
Rodríguez also had a walk-off sacrifice fly in Saturday’s win over the Giants.
“He kind of hit the bag hard and hit the ball, hit him, and it was just a good moment there to make a decision to give him a minute,” Wilson said.
As for Crawford, the veteran was slated to lead off and play shortstop for just his fourth time since he transitioned to third base full time on June 16. Wilson said Crawford was scratched due to wrist soreness, presumably the left wrist that he favored after a big swing on Sunday.
Colt Emerson, who was slated for a scheduled off-day, was added to the lineup at the premium position, batting ninth against left-hander Andrew Abbott. He also celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday.
Buddy Kennedy remained at third base and made his third start there since being acquired by the Giants on June 29.
Crawford exhibited some discomfort in the area on Sunday, enough to prompt head athletic trainer Kyle Torgerson from the dugout after drawing a walk in the fourth inning. But he remained in the rest of that game.
Crawford missed nine games in June due to a contusion on the other (right) hand after being hit by a pitch from Framber Valdez. It was upon his return from that IL stint that he transitioned to third base.