Julio Rodríguez, Jesse Winker not in Mariners lineup for opener vs Texas

Julio Rodríguez will miss his fourth straight game when the Mariners open up a new series against the Texas Rangers on Monday night, and he won’t be the only regular outfielder missing time for Seattle.

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Left fielder Jesse Winker is also out of the Mariners lineup for the 7:10 p.m. game on Seattle Sports after injuring his ankle in a collision with Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña on Sunday.

In addition to the absences of Winker and Rodríguez, Kyle Lewis will be on the bench after serving as the designated hitter Sunday. Lewis, who returned last week from a concussion but is still playing somewhat gingerly coming off a major surgery last year on his right knee, will continue to get regular rest as the season wears on.

Without Rodríguez, Winker or Lewis playing, Seattle’s outfield Monday will consist of Adam Frazier in left, Dylan Moore in center and Sam Haggerty in right. All three are naturally infielders.

Rodríguez, Seattle’s 21-year-old All-Star, is dealing with a left wrist injury. He initially jammed the wrist attempting to steal second base on July 17 in Texas, and it is believed the injury was aggravated when he competed in the MLB Home Run Derby the next night. He also appeared in the MLB All-Star Game last Tuesday. There was hope he would be able to return for Monday’s game, but the Mariners are optimistic he can avoid an injured list stint and be back Tuesday, according to Mariners insider Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports.

Drayer added that manager Scott Servais said Winker could come off the bench Monday but is hopeful the M’s won’t need him to.

Julio is on the field with the team stretching for batting practice. Will not play today, Servais is optimistic he will be in the lineup tomorrow. It’s possible Winker could be used off the bench tonight but Servais would like to stay away from him.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) July 25, 2022

The Mariners came out of the All-Star break seemingly close to full strength with Lewis returning and Mitch Haniger beginning a rehab assignment after being out since late April with a high-ankle sprain. They look anything but full strength now with Rodríguez and Winker both nursing injuries.

One positive note about the Mariners’ outfield, though, is that Taylor Trammell could be within a couple of weeks of returning from a hamstring strain, Drayer reports.

Trammell is moving a bit quicker than expected. Could be sent out on a rehab assignment when the club heads out on the road.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) July 25, 2022

Chris Flexen is the scheduled starting pitcher Monday night for the Mariners, while Texas will send Glenn Otto to the mound. Flexen’s last outing was against the same Rangers on short rest, holding them to one run on four hits and a walk over 3 2/3 innings on July 17, the final game before the All-Star break. Otto also pitched in that game, going six innings and allowing three runs on five hits, a walk and two HBPs to take the loss.

Coverage of Monday’s series opener starts on Seattle Sports Station 710 AM, SeattleSports.com and the Seattle Sports app begins at 6 p.m. with the pregame show. Mariners games can be streamed online or on the app from Seattle Sports by anyone located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia or Alaska. For details on how to stream M’s broadcasts based on your location, click here.

Here is the full Mariners lineup for Monday night:

Flex vs. Tex pic.twitter.com/u9ieSJlG3q

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 25, 2022

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