Julio Rodríguez earned his All-Star spot, thanks in large part to his defense. But majestic as he's been with his glove this season, his bat needs to catch up.

Jerry DiPoto signaled that the Mariners intended to be buyers this summer, with a 1.5-game lead in the race for a Wild Card spot and one of the best and deepest rotations in baseball. The only thing that was missing was a little more offense — particularly at first and third base, where Donovan Solano and Ben Williamson weren't going to be enough.

Some days, it just feels like the ball is begging to leave the park — and today might be one of those days in MLB.

Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena and Jorge Polanco homered, Logan Evans gave up one run in five innings, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-2 on Thursday night.

Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez goes high against the center field wall to catch a ball hit by Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen, July 5, 2025 in Seattle.

The Mariners announced Friday that Rodríguez had decided to pull out of the All-Star Game, saying that he will take the break to rest and get ready for the second half of the season.

Rodriguez, who said he won't play in the All-Star Game on Friday morning, took to social media to explain his decision a little further.

Julio Rodríguez earned his All-Star spot, thanks in large part to his defense. But majestic as he's been with his glove this season, his bat needs to catch up.