Mariners place Julio Rodriguez, JP Crawford on 10-day injured list; Ty France waived

The two injuries are a major blow to a Seattle team that has seen a 10-game lead in the AL West disappear in less than a month, having gone 9-18 since June 19. Seattle entered Tuesday in second place, less than a percentage point behind Houston.

“Certainly very disappointing news when you lose two guys that are so crucial and important to our team,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “There’s nothing we can do about it. There are things you can’t control. You can’t control that and we’re going to have a different perspective on our team.”

Rodríguez was injured in the sixth inning of Sunday’s game against Houston when he tried to make a catch and hit the outfield wall. Initially, there was hope that he could avoid a stint on the injured list, but Servais said that after Rodríguez arrived at the ballpark on Tuesday, it was clear he would need some time to recover.

Rodríguez said he has a high ankle sprain and while it will be difficult to sit out, he felt it was the right decision. Servais did not give a timeline for recovery.

“We all saw the play. We all got a little nervous, but I feel like it could have been a lot worse. I’m thankful and happy that it’s just a high ankle sprain and nothing worse,” Rodríguez said.

Rodríguez has been on a roll lately after a slow start, hitting .459 with four home runs and eight RBI in his last 12 games, with an on-base percentage of .524 and an OPS of 1.389.

“This is just the next thing I have to tackle and it’s a challenge for me, but I’m going to overcome it,” said Rodríguez.

Servais also didn’t have a timeline for when Crawford might return from his second stint on the injured list this season. Crawford missed 26 games in April and May with an oblique injury, and while he’s struggled at the plate, the shortstop has continued to play stellar defense for the Mariners.

Servais said Dylan Moore will get the most playing time at shortstop now that Crawford is out.

Along with the injuries, Seattle designated first baseman Ty France for assignment. The 30-year-old is hitting .223 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs in 88 games. He has a .312 on-base percentage and a .350 slugging percentage.

France was an offensive standout for several seasons after joining Seattle from San Diego in a midseason trade in 2020. He was an All-Star in 2022, a season in which he hit .274 with 20 homers and 83 RBI. But France has struggled to match that production over the past two seasons and faces an uncertain future.

Seattle is responsible for the $2,513,306 left over from France’s $6,775,000 salary. Once he is released, any team can sign him for a prorated share of the Major League minimum of $740,000.

Seattle bolstered its roster by recalling outfielders Jonatan Clase and Cade Marlowe, and infielders Leo Rivas and Tyler Locklear. Marlowe (right field) and Locklear (first base) were in the lineup Tuesday.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb