The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon as Eduardo Rodriguez made his long-anticipated debut. After being sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, the veteran pitcher finally took to the mound in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez, who had signed a four-year, $80 million contract in December, saw his debut delayed due to what was initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder. The ensuing recovery period, which lasted four months, saw Rodriguez forgo any minor-league rehab starts. Instead, the seasoned pitcher faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex.
Strong Performance Despite Setbacks
Despite reduced velocity compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, Rodriguez delivered a commendable outing. He managed to contain the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Remarkably, Rodriguez required only 65 pitches to complete his stint on the mound, showcasing efficiency and control.
His performance played a crucial role in the Diamondbacks' 5-3 victory over the Guardians, a win that improved Arizona's record to 63-52 on the season. This victory also marked the Diamondbacks' 18th win in their last 23 games, evidencing the team's strong run of form as they remain 3 1/2 games behind the National League West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
Reflecting on his return, Rodriguez shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push." He further emphasized his dedication to the team's postseason aspirations: "That's what we're really looking for and what I've prepared myself to go out there and do: help my team to go to the postseason again."
Guardians' Struggles Continue
While the Diamondbacks celebrated, the Cleveland Guardians found themselves in a deepening slump. The loss to Arizona marked their fifth consecutive defeat, setting a new season-high losing streak. Previously, the Guardians hadn't experienced a losing streak longer than three games. Consequently, their lead in the American League Central has dwindled to 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they have held since June 8.
The Diamondbacks' success on Wednesday was also shaped by the broader picture of their pitching strategy this season. Remarkably, Arizona has utilized 13 different starting pitchers thus far, a testament to the resilience and depth of their roster. Rodriguez's return and his solid performance add a crucial piece to this puzzle, bolstering the team's rotation as they eye a potential postseason run.
Rodriguez's Eventful Journey
Rodriguez's journey to this point has been eventful. In 2023, he made 26 starts for the Detroit Tigers, throwing 131 1/3 innings with an impressive 3.30 ERA. However, he opted out of his contract with the Tigers and notably used his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. These decisions culminated in his offseason move to the Diamondbacks, a decision that now seems poised to pay dividends for both Rodriguez and his new team.
The Diamondbacks also saw the return of another key pitcher, Kelly, who made his first rehab start on Tuesday. Kelly's return, coupled with Rodriguez's successful debut, signals a bolstered pitching lineup as Arizona pushes towards the latter part of the season.
As the Diamondbacks continue their playoff push, Rodriguez's return injects a fresh dose of optimism and capability into their roster. With the season steadily advancing, every game becomes crucial, and for Rodriguez, every pitch is a step towards fulfilling his goal of aiding his team's postseason ambitions.
Note: This article contains information accurate as of the date/time of publication.