For the first few months of the 2023 MLB season, it seemed like Seattle Mariners outfielder and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez wouldn’t be able to replicate his 2022 success.
But J-Rod has been slowly coming into his own in recent weeks, getting his numbers to where he wants them to be.
This week has seen him perform at his best: he has hit safely in his last five contests.
That’s not all: he has a pair of consecutive four-hit games.
He went 4-for-6 on Wednesday, and improved that to 5-for-5 on Thursday.
Right now, he is impossible to get out.
We know it’s a lot to ask, but another four-hit game on Friday would mean a new record in Mariners history.
ESPN Stats & Info explains.
“Julio RodrÃguez seeks his 3rd straight 4-hit game Friday. No player in Mariners history has ever done it,” they tweeted.
Julio RodrÃguez seeks his 3rd straight 4-hit game Friday.
No player in Mariners history has ever done it. pic.twitter.com/GXPb8AJM5G
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 18, 2023
This is a franchise that has hosted some of the best hitters in history.
Ichiro Suzuki played there, Edgar Martinez played there, and Ken Griffey Jr. also spent years in the organization.
All of them were notable pure hitters, and none of them had three consecutive four-hit games.
It’s just too hard to achieve and depends on a lot of things.
However, J-Rod has a chance to pull it off.
With a .269/.329/.451 line, 20 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and a .780 OPS, he is slowly picking up the pace.
Even if he stays in the .780 OPS range, he has a shot at finishing with a 25-35 season.
That’s not too shabby.
He is a young star and the face of the Mariners’ return to relevance.
NEXT: Julio Rodriguez Made Mariners History In Kansas City
