J-Rod was on third in the 10th inning when Randy Arozarena struck out and his bat went flying out of his hands toward Rodriguez. The outfielder ran to get out of the way of the bat … but the ball was still very much live. A throw to third and Rodriguez was out. Inning over, and the Yankees would go on to win.

Julio Rodriguez apologized to Dan Wilson for his mistake, the Mariners manager said Thursday. “I really respect him for that, and we had a good conversation.”

A flying bat helped the Yankees clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Park. Anthony Rizzo, who had two hits and two RBIs, drove in Jasson Dominguez with a double to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead, which they did not relinquish.