The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated a notable milestone on Wednesday afternoon as pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez made his much-anticipated debut. Rodriguez, who had been out of action due to a shoulder injury since spring training, showcased his skills in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez's debut comes after signing a four-year, $80 million contract in December. However, his start with the team was delayed by a shoulder injury, initially described as a cramp in his back near the shoulder. This kept him sidelined for a four-month recovery period without any minor-league rehab starts, relying instead on simulated games against minor leaguers at the team's spring training complex.
Rodriguez's Performance
In his 2024 debut, Rodriguez contained the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Remarkably, he required only 65 pitches to complete his outing. This efficient performance contributed to the Diamondbacks' 5-3 victory over the Guardians, improving their record to 63-52 on the season.
Despite his solid performance, it was noted that Rodriguez's velocity was down compared to his 2023 numbers with the Detroit Tigers. In 2023, Rodriguez made 26 starts and threw 131 1/3 innings with a commendable 3.30 ERA. Reflecting on his comeback, Rodriguez expressed his eagerness to contribute to the Diamondbacks' postseason push. "I’m glad that I’m going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," said Rodriguez. "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."
Diamondbacks' Momentum
The Diamondbacks have been in superb form, winning 18 of their last 23 games. They are now 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. Throughout the season, Arizona has demonstrated depth in their pitching rotation, utilizing 13 different starting pitchers.
The contributions of players like Rodriguez are crucial as the team aims to maintain their winning momentum. His return comes at a pivotal time, providing a significant boost to the Diamondbacks as they strive to close the gap in their division and secure a postseason spot.
Guardians' Struggles
On the other side of the diamond, the Cleveland Guardians are facing a challenging period. The team has now lost five consecutive games, marking their longest losing streak of the season. Prior to this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. Their recent struggles have slimmed down their AL Central lead to 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they have held since June 8.
Future Outlook
For Rodriguez, the journey to his Diamondbacks debut has been one of perseverance and determination. After opting out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, he faced delays and setbacks but remained focused on his goal. "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 reiterated, emphasizing his commitment to the team's success.
The Diamondbacks' recent performance and Rodriguez's promising comeback augur well for the team's postseason ambitions. As they continue to surge forward, every game will be critical in their quest to overtake the division leaders and secure a place in the playoffs.