Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez will not attend All-Star Game in Atlanta

Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez will not be traveling to Atlanta for the All-Star Game next week.

The news was announced by the Mariners on Friday morning in a short press release.

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“Julio Rodríguez, who was voted into the 2025 All-Star Game via the players ballot, will not be able to participate this year,” reads the press release. “He will take the break to recuperate, rest and prepare for the second half.”

Rodríguez also shared a statement on social media about the decision.

“As much as I would love to be out there, I want to take this time to take care of my body and fully prepare for the second half of the season,” part of Rodríguez’s statement reads.

More: Julio Rodríguez makes statement on missing All-Star Game

Rodríguez was named an All-Star for the third time in his four-year career, but 2025 has been a struggle for him at the plate and there is little doubt the rest is needed.

As for recuperating, while there has been no obvious or reported ongoing health issue, Rodríguez has played in 92 of 93 games this season and dings and dents can accumulate.

Earlier this year, Julio dealt with back issues that perhaps lingered. He had to leave a June 7 game against the Angels after getting hit on the ankle while on third base by a batted ball by teammate Randy Arozarena. And he again was hit in the lower leg Thursday when a line-drive foul ball off the bat of teammate J.P. Crawford found him while on-deck at Yankee Stadium. He needed to get checked out by a trainer before staying in the game.

With a slash line of .244/.301/.386 for a .687 OPS, and a wRC+ of 98, the All-Star selection of Rodríguez has been a topic of debate both with fans and some who cover the game. Others believed his defensive numbers and star status in the game gave him the leeway to be named an All-Star. With a 2.2 fWAR, which takes offensive, defensive and baserunning numbers into consideration, he is a top-10 outfielder in the American League, two spots behind teammate Randy Arozarena.

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Julio himself seemed a bit surprised to be named to the team. When Mariners manager Dan Wilson announced him as an All-Star in a clubhouse meeting earlier this week, Rodríguez’s reaction as seen in the Mariners’ social media coverage of the moment was muted.

“Obviously, this is very special,” he said after receiving a hug from Wilson. “I think being part of an All-Star team is definitely a huge honor and, you know, I’m definitely very grateful for the opportunity.”

A special moment 👏

Dan Wilson shares the news that @JRODshow44, Andrés Muñoz and @BJW002 are officially All-Stars. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/xmBPTO69Cg

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 8, 2025

As it turns out, the rest is more needed. While it is just two days in Atlanta, the cross-country travel, the whirlwind and the commitments add up quickly and can take a toll. Julio has elected to take the break that potentially could benefit both him and his club.

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