Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez announced his decision to withdraw from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game on Friday.

Rodríguez’s revamped slider generated considerable horizontal break during that first bullpen session, moving more like a traditional sweeper. But when Rodríguez unveiled his new slider in a game only days after picking it up, he threw the pitch with an unforeseen power and force that combining sweeping movement with hard velocity.

Rodríguez is quiet and unassuming and likes to read classic novels. He also might be the best relief pitcher in baseball.

Starters Logan Webb and Robbie Ray and reliever Randy Rodriguez were selected to the National League All-Star team. Webb, 28, is 8-6 with a 2.62 ERA over 120 1/3 innings, which is the most innings pitched in the NL as of Sunday. He is second in the NL with 133 strikeouts. Webb appeared in the All-Star Game in 2024, making this his second selection.

Logan Webb, Robbie Ray and Randy Rodríguez were each named All-Stars, slotting them into the Giants' history books alongside Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and others.

Rodríguez's improvement with his command has vaulted him into All-Star status. Can his improvement be replicated with others in the org.?

SF Giants manager Bob Melvin said right-handed reliever Randy Rodriguez deserves an invitation to Midsummer Classic.