Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez has pulled himself from the All-Star game to focus on the second half of the season, and he is replaced by his own teammate, Randy Arozarena.
Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen will join the Junior Circuit's squad, MLB announced Friday afternoon. Arozarena will replace resting Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez, while Rasmussen will replace Los Angeles Angels pitcher Yusei Kikuchi.
Arozarena, 30, is the Mariners 5th All-Star this season, joining Rodríguez, Andrés Muñoz, Bryan Woo and AL starting catcher Cal Raleigh in this year’s Midsummer Classic. It marks just the 5th time Seattle has had at least 5 players selected to the All-Star Game, and the most since they also sent 5 in 2002.
Arozarena is an All-Star for the 2nd time in his career, also being selected to the Midsummer Classic in 2023 at T-Mobile Park. He was the starting left fielder for the AL in 2023, going 1-for-2 at the plate. He also was the runner-up in the 2023 Home Run Derby, losing out to champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round.