The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon as Eduardo Rodriguez made his highly anticipated debut. After being sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, Rodriguez finally took to the mound in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez's journey back to the big leagues was anything but straightforward. Initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder, his injury required a four-month recovery period without any minor-league rehab starts. Instead, Rodriguez faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex, where he meticulously prepared for his return to major-league action.
A Comeback Performance
During his 2024 debut, Rodriguez managed to contain the Guardians, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Despite his velocity being down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, Rodriguez required only 65 pitches to complete his outing, showcasing his efficiency and control.
The Diamondbacks clinched the game with a 5-3 victory over the Guardians, further improving their record to an impressive 63-52 on the season. The win marked a continuation of Arizona's dominant form, having won 18 of their last 23 games and putting them just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
Rodriguez's Journey
Rodriguez's path to this moment has been filled with challenges. He signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December, but his debut faced delays due to the shoulder injury. Reflecting on his return, Rodriguez shared, "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push."
In 2023, Rodriguez made 26 starts and threw 131 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA for the Detroit Tigers. His decision to opt out of his contract and use his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers underscored his determination to control his career trajectory. Now, with the Diamondbacks, Rodriguez is focused on making an impact. "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," he stated.
Team Dynamics
Rodriguez's addition to the rotation is a welcome boost for the Diamondbacks, who have utilized 13 different starting pitchers this season. The team's ability to maintain a competitive record despite this instability speaks volumes about their resilience and depth.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Guardians are experiencing a rough patch, having lost five consecutive games—a season-high losing streak. This slump has caused their AL Central lead to dwindle to just 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they've held since June 8. Prior to this challenging period, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games, making their current predicament even more alarming.
Looking Ahead
As the Diamondbacks continue to chase a postseason berth, the return of a seasoned pitcher like Rodriguez could prove pivotal in their quest. His capacity to deliver under pressure and his experience will be invaluable assets as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
In other developments, Kelly made his first rehab start on Tuesday, signaling additional reinforcement on the horizon for Arizona's pitching staff.
Wednesday's game not only marked Rodriguez's return but also highlighted the Diamondbacks' fighting spirit and potential for a strong finish. With each victory, they edge closer to their postseason dreams, driven by performances like Rodriguez's that combine skill, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.