X-rays performed on Julio Rodriguez‘s right hand were negative, but the Seattle Mariners rookie outfielder will be placed on the injured list, manager Scott Servais told reporters Sunday.
“X-rays were negative, but he’s really sore. I think everybody agrees he’s not going to have a bat in his hand in maybe five days at the earliest — just letting that calm down,” Servais said. “I think everybody knows, your wrist, your hands, how sensitive that area is when you’ve got to bat. Let’s do it right, make sure he’s fully healthy when he comes back.”
Servais said Rodriguez had not yet underwent an MRI but will “probably get some more pictures of it.”
Rodriguez said Sunday he was thankful that his hand wasn’t fractured and said it’s “gotta feel right” before he’ll be able to return.
“I just gotta feel that it’s right, that the swelling goes down, and just everything it’s gotta feel right,” he said. “I feel like it’s gonna be very soon, but we just want to be careful and make sure that I’m taking time enough to be 100% and not having to deal with that for the rest of the season.
Rodriguez was hit on the back of the hand as he struck out swinging at a pitch in the top of the eighth inning Saturday night in the Mariners’ 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros. He played in the field in the bottom half of the inning before being lifted in the ninth.
Outfielder Dylan Moore, who left Saturday’s game with back spasms, also will be placed on the IL, Servais said. Outfielders Jarred Kelenic and Jack Larsen will be recalled from the minors in corresponding moves.
The Mariners were also without first baseman Ty France on Sunday after he had an MRI on his sore left wrist. Servais said they hadn’t received the results before the game and hoped France would be ready to return after a day or two of rest.
Utilityman Sam Haggerty was not in the lineup Sunday after getting stitches above his eye. He was injured after being hit in the forehead by his thrown helmet after failing to bunt in the ninth inning and tossing his gear in frustration. The helmet bounced back up and hit him in the head. Servais said he was doing OK and would be available off the bench.
The Mariners also designated left-hander Anthony Misiewicz for assignment Sunday.
Abraham Toro pinch hit for Rodriguez in the ninth Saturday and delivered a go-ahead two-run single with two outs off Astros closer Ryan Pressly to help lift the Mariners to victory.
Rodriguez was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Saturday night’s game and is batting .271 with 18 homers and 57 RBIs.
The Mariners, in second place in the American League West standings, currently occupy the AL’s second wild-card spot.
ESPN’s Marly Rivera and The Associated Press contributed to this report.