On a pivotal Wednesday afternoon, the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated a significant moment, unveiling Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound for the first time. After a prolonged recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him since spring training, Rodriguez finally made his much-anticipated debut in the second game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract in December, had initially been expected to debut much sooner. However, what was first described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder turned into a more serious setback, keeping him away from the diamond for months. With no minor-league rehab starts, Rodriguez turned to simulated games at the team's spring training complex to prepare for his return.
Successful Debut
The Venezuelan left-hander did not disappoint in his 2024 debut. He managed to limit the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings, throwing just 65 pitches. Rodriguez's solid performance played a crucial role in the Diamondbacks’ 5-3 victory, a win that improved their season record to 63-52 and marked their 18th win in the last 23 games.
"I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," Rodriguez said after the 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."
Team Momentum
With this victory, the Diamondbacks maintain their strong form, now sitting just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West leaders, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. The team's resilience and ability to adapt have been evident all season, as they have utilized 13 different starting pitchers, including Rodriguez, to navigate various challenges.
Rodriguez’s Past Performance
Rodriguez's velocity was notably down compared to his performance in 2023 with the Detroit Tigers, where he made 26 starts, pitching 131 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA. Despite the dip in speed, his precision and control on Wednesday were enough to stifle the Guardians' offense.
Rodriguez's decision to join the Diamondbacks came after opting out of his contract with the Tigers and blocking a potential trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers using his no-trade clause last season. His commitment to the Diamondbacks is clear, and his performance on Wednesday suggests he is ready to contribute significantly to their postseason ambitions.
Guardians' Struggles
For the Cleveland Guardians, the loss added to their woes, extending their losing streak to five games—their longest of the season. Before this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. The recent string of losses has also trimmed their AL Central lead to just 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they have held since June 8.
Looking Ahead
As the Diamondbacks eye a potential postseason berth, Rodriguez’s return bolsters their pitching rotation at a crucial juncture. His readiness to compete and determination to help push the team to success cannot be overstated. "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," Rodriguez emphasized, echoing the sentiments that resonate throughout the Arizona Diamondbacks' clubhouse as they continue their fight for a spot in the playoffs.