The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon with the debut of Eduardo Rodriguez, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the team in December. After being sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, Rodriguez finally took the mound in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez's journey to this moment was far from smooth. Initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder, the injury later required a four-month recovery period, with no minor-league rehab starts. Instead, Rodriguez faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex, preparing himself for this much-anticipated debut.
In his 2024 debut, Rodriguez managed to contain the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Despite the long layoff, he required only 65 pitches to complete his outing. His performance played a crucial role in the Diamondbacks securing a 5-3 victory over the Guardians, their 18th win in the last 23 games, improving their season record to 63-52.
The win also brought the Diamondbacks within 3 1/2 games of the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. This resurgence is all the more impressive considering the team has used 13 different starting pitchers this season.
Reflecting on his return, Rodriguez expressed his readiness and determination to contribute to the team. "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," he said. "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's velocity was notably down compared to his performance in 2023 with the Detroit Tigers, where he made 26 starts and threw 131 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA. Despite this, his effective outing against the Guardians showcased his ability to adapt and still be a pivotal player for the Diamondbacks.
The Guardians, on the other hand, find themselves in a challenging period. The loss to the Diamondbacks extended their season-high losing streak to five games, previously unheard of this season. This slump has significantly impacted their standing in the AL Central, with their lead dwindling to 3 1/2 games—the smallest margin since June 8.
Adding context to Rodriguez's debut, it's worth noting his decision to opt out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers and use his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. This strategic move paved the way for his current role with the Diamondbacks, where both parties are optimistic about their postseason prospects.
In related news, Kelly made his first rehab start on Tuesday, which could signal additional reinforcements for the Diamondbacks' pitching roster as they aim to continue their winning momentum.
Rodriguez’s journey, marked by resilience and strategic choices, has not only fortified the Diamondbacks’ roster but also injected new hope into their postseason aspirations. As the season progresses, his performance will be a key factor in determining how far the Diamondbacks can go in their quest for success.