Young slugger makes big All-Star commitment

Seattle Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Young slugger makes major All-Star commitment

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 6/23/23

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez has committed to being part of the show for All-Star week in his home city.

Rodriguez confirmed Friday that he will take part in the Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park on July 10. He is the first player to publicly commit to the 2023 derby.

July 10th. See you in Seattle pic.twitter.com/MQOOkCtXGP

— Julio Rodriguez (@JRODshow44) June 23, 2023

It is pretty much essential for the Home Run Derby to include a hometown player and Rodriguez was the easy choice. Last year, he finished runner-up in the event at Dodger Stadium, hitting 81 total home runs before coming up just short against Juan Soto in the final. The payday he got from his status as runner-up might have made the return more appealing as well.

Rodriguez’s sophomore MLB season has not been as good as his rookie campaign, as he is hitting a modest .238 with 12 home runs this year. Maybe the derby will actually help him get back on track.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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