The Mariners have options when Rodriguez joins Robles and Arozarena in the outfield
The past few weeks it has been fun to watch Victor Robles and Randy Arozarena in the outfield together. Imagine what the Mariners outfield and lineup will look like when CF Julio Rodriguez returns.
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Victor Robles has been sensational ever since he joined the Mariners, slashing .310/.378/.460 in Seattle this season. He has provided a spark by getting on base, wreaking havoc on the base paths, and making tremendous plays in the outfield. The Mariners made the right move when they started playing him full-time as a starter back in early July. He lit the fire for the M's offense again on Saturday, coming around to score after hitting a lead-off double and stealing third base.
The Mariners also made a splash at this year's trade deadline adding outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays. Arozarena has been solid since coming to the Mariners at the end of July. Slashing .304/.439/.478, with a home run, 5 doubles, 3 RBIs, and 13 runs scored in 13 games for the Mariners. Arozarena was also the guy who drove in Robles in Saturday's game with an RBI-double. Arozarena also has showed he can play a terrific left field in his short time with the Mariners.
The Mariners outfield could finally look complete with Julio Rodriguez back
With Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles showing what they can do in the outfield, imagine what this outfield will look like when Julio Rodriguez returns. The Mariners outfield could become one of the best in baseball down the stretch. Robles and Arozarena have done a fantastic job of holding down outfield while Rodriguez has been injured. Both of them have shown what a force they can be at the top of the Mariners lineup.
The Mariners also have depth behind Arozarena and Robles in the outfield. With Luke Raley, Dom Canzone, and Mitch Haniger as other outfield options. When Julio Rodriguez comes back, Seattle will be able to use Raley's versatility and ability to play first base. The Mariners will also have options at first base, as Luke Raley and Justin Turner can both play the position. Which means the Mariners can platoon both Turner and Raley at first and have options at DH as well when Rodriguez comes back.
Julio Rodriguez is nearing a return to the outfield and just needs to pass the final tests on his sprained ankle. He has been participating in baseball activities including taking BP. The hope is he will return to the lineup for Sunday Night Baseball as a DH and that he will provide the Mariners an offensive boost. The Mariners certainly will need him down the stretch as they are in a tight battle with Houston for the AL West title. Whenever Julio Rodriguez returns, there is sure to be plenty of excitement with the additions the Mariners made at this year's trade deadline.