The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone this Wednesday afternoon as Eduardo Rodriguez made his much-anticipated debut. Rodriguez, who had been sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, pitched in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
The left-hander’s journey to the mound has been anything but straightforward. Rodriguez had signed a lucrative four-year, $80 million contract in December, but his debut was delayed due to a shoulder injury that was initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder. After a four-month recovery period that did not include any minor-league rehab starts, Rodriguez faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team’s spring training complex to regain his form.
Rodriguez’s Return: A Performance to Remember
In his debut for the Diamondbacks, Rodriguez managed to contain the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over an efficient 5 2/3 innings. Remarkably, he required only 65 pitches to complete his outing. "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," Rodriguez stated, reflecting his determination and readiness to contribute.
The Diamondbacks secured a 5-3 victory, improving their season record to 63-52. This win contributes to an impressive streak for Arizona, which has now won 18 of their last 23 games. Remarkably, this surge puts them just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, a gap that may shift depending on the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. "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," Rodriguez emphasized.
Challenges and Triumphs
Rodriguez’s comeback is a testament to his resilience. Despite his velocity being down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, Rodriguez’s skill and strategic approach shone through. In 2023, he made 26 starts, threw 131 1/3 innings, and maintained a commendable 3.30 ERA. His capacity to adapt and perform under changing conditions will be invaluable as the Diamondbacks look to secure a postseason berth.
Arizona has been heavily reliant on its pitching depth this season, utilizing 13 different starting pitchers thus far. The team’s ability to navigate injuries and rotations has been critical to their success, and Rodriguez’s return adds a robust option to their pitching arsenal. Meanwhile, on the other side of the diamond, the Cleveland Guardians are grappling with their own set of challenges.
The Guardians’ Struggles
The Guardians have lost five consecutive games, marking their season-high losing streak. This slump has significantly impacted their standing; prior to this, they had not lost more than three consecutive games. The AL Central lead they once held confidently has now dwindled to a mere 3 1/2 games – the smallest margin since June 8.
Rodriguez's decision to opt out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers and his usage of a no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season are indicative of a player who knows his worth and fits within specific team dynamics. His choice to join Arizona now seems well justified, both for the player and the team.
In another note of interest, Kelly made his first rehab start on Tuesday, signaling positive news for the Diamondbacks' rotational depth.
As the season progresses, the Diamondbacks appear poised to make a serious push for the postseason, driven by dynamic performances and a deep, versatile roster. Eduardo Rodriguez's return is not just a comeback story but also a crucial piece in Arizona’s quest for glory. With each game, the stakes are higher, and the Diamondbacks, equipped with talents like Rodriguez, are ready to rise to the occasion.