Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez was scratched from Thursday night’s series opener against the Houston Astros.

Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners play the Athletics, and starter Gunnar Hoglund, on May 7 at 3:35 p.m. ET at Sutter Health Park. Rodríguez hit a homer in his previous game (going 3-for-4).

Julio Rodriguez (OF ... He’s on the IL now with what is described as a minor knee injury. Chris Sale (ATL) has earned a 3.31 expected ERA (4.84 actual ERA), which is what we should have hoped ...