Eduardo Rodriguez Makes Triumphant Debut for the Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated a notable achievement on Wednesday afternoon as Eduardo Rodriguez made his much-anticipated debut. Having been 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, who signed a lucrative four-year, $80 million contract in December, had his debut delayed due to what was initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder. The ailment ultimately required a four-month recovery period, during which Rodriguez skipped minor-league rehab starts and instead faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex.
When Rodriguez finally took the mound, he delivered a commendable performance. He managed to contain the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings, requiring only 65 pitches in his outing. Although his velocity was down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, he showcased his ability to adapt and execute under pressure.
The Diamondbacks went on to secure a 5-3 victory over the Guardians, further bolstering their impressive form. This win marked their 18th victory in the last 23 games, improving their season record to 63-52. They now stand just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
Rodriguez's return to the mound not only provided a morale boost for the team but also brought much-needed stability to the Diamondbacks' rotation, which has seen 13 different starting pitchers this season. Reflecting on his comeback, Rodriguez stated, "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push." He added, "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."
The Guardians, on the other hand, find themselves in the midst of a challenging period. They have now lost five consecutive games, their longest losing streak of the season. Prior to this rough patch, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. As a result, their AL Central lead has shrunk to just 3 1/2 games, marking the smallest margin they have held since June 8.
Rodriguez's journey to this point has been far from straightforward. After opting out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, he invoked his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. Now, with his debut behind him, Rodriguez looks forward to contributing to the Diamondbacks' postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, fellow Diamondbacks pitcher Kelly made his first rehab start on Tuesday, signaling further reinforcement for the team's pitching staff.
With the confidence and experience Rodriguez brings, the Diamondbacks are poised to make a strong push towards the postseason. His debut performance not only demonstrated his resilience but also underscored the team's growing momentum as they continue to chase the NL West lead.