Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez ended a 16-game home run drought Friday, hitting a key two-run homer off Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The home run came during the Mariners’ series opener against the Tigers, marking a significant moment tied to the Tarik Skubal home run changeup matchup.
Rodríguez connected on a two-strike changeup from Skubal in the fifth inning with two outs, sending the ball 416 feet to left-center field. The hit, which traveled at a speed of 109.6 mph, gave the Mariners a 4-1 lead. This shot was Rodríguez’s 12th home run of the season and boosted his RBI total to 46. Prior to this, his last home run was on June 23 against the Minnesota Twins.
A Crucial Pitchers’ Duel and the Impact of the Changeup
The home run represented some payback for Rodríguez, as he had struck out on a changeup from Skubal in an earlier at-bat that game. While Skubal’s changeup hung in the middle of the plate, allowing Rodríguez to capitalize, it was notable because it was the first time this season Skubal had conceded a home run off that pitch. Until then, opposing batters had only managed a .158 average against his changeup, which remains his primary pitch.
Skubal, known for his durability, usually pitches deep into games, hitting six innings or more in 13 of his 19 starts this year. However, against Seattle in recent games, he has not reached six innings twice, including this outing where the home run by Rodríguez prompted his removal after five innings.
Broader Context for the Mariners and Their Season
This event followed Rodríguez’s earlier news of not participating in the upcoming All-Star Game, where Randy Arozarena replaced him, resulting in the Mariners securing their fifth All-Star representative. Despite that setback, Rodríguez’s powerful home run in this outing demonstrated his ongoing value to the Seattle Mariners lineup.
The Mariners continue to adjust their roster and pitching strategies as the season progresses, with moves such as bringing a left-handed pitcher back to the bullpen and analyzing pitch tipping issues highlighted by Cal Raleigh and Andrés Muñoz. Rodríguez’s performance, including this significant home run, remains a focal point in the team’s drive forward.