Rodriguez exchanges gear with Judge, promises to meet in playoffs

Jul 30, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) walks on the field before the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners' Julio Rodriguez exchanges gear with Aaron Judge, promises to meet him in playoffs

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 8/10/22

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was caught having a little chat with New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge before the two teams face off on Wednesday afternoon. The topic? The MLB postseason.

"J-Rod" was seen exchanging a signed jersey for an autographed bat with Judge on the diamond at T-Mobile Park. After a photo op, the two reportedly continued chatting and Rodriguez made it clear he wants to face off against Judge and the Bronx Bombers in October.

Julio Rodríguez exchanges an autographed jersey for a signed bat from Aaron Judge ahead of today’s matinee from T-Mobile Park, then they share an extended conversation behind home plate.

“We’re gonna come back and play you guys in the postseason,” Rodríguez said. pic.twitter.com/Pwo4obVRvo
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) August 10, 2022

The rookie has every right to eye that postseason matchup. Seattle currently sits in a wild card spot in the American League and could very well face New York, which currently sits tied with the Houston Astros in the AL.

Of course, the Mariners want Rodriguez back in the lineup before any of that happens. The rookie phenom has been sidelined since July 30 when he was hit in the wrist by a 97 mph fastball from Astros pitcher Rafael Montero. Rodriguez took swings off of a tee over the weekend, but the team is being extra cautious about bringing him back -- especially with a postseason berth on the line.

"The grip strength and what he’s got there is really good," manager Scott Servais said Monday, via The Seattle Times. "It’s very comparable to what he had when he’s normal. So that’s all positive. But he’s still feeling it a little bit on the vibration on the bat when he’s got his normal bat in his hand."

More must-reads: