The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated a momentous occasion on Wednesday afternoon with the debut of their newly-signed pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez. Having been sidelined since spring training due to a shoulder injury initially thought to be a cramp, Rodriguez finally took the mound after a four-month recovery period, stepping into the second game of Arizona's doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December, faced a challenging path to his debut. Without any minor-league rehab starts, his preparation was limited to facing minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex. Despite these hurdles, Rodriguez performed admirably, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings, requiring only 65 pitches for his outing.
A Triumphant Return
The veteran southpaw’s return was not without its challenges. His velocity was notably down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, where he made 26 starts, throwing 131 1/3 innings with an impressive 3.30 ERA. Yet, Rodriguez's command and poise on the mound were on full display as he contained a potent Guardians lineup, showcasing his experience and resilience.
Reflecting on his journey back to the mound, Rodriguez expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to the team's goals. "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," he shared. His sentiments echo the motivation behind his rigorous preparation, aiming to be a pivotal contributor as the Diamondbacks eye postseason contention. "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 added.
Diamondbacks' Stellar Form
Rodriguez’s debut was a highlight in an already impressive run for the Diamondbacks. With their 5-3 victory over the Guardians, the team improved its record to 63-52, marking their 18th win in the last 23 games. This winning streak has positioned the Diamondbacks just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. The team's rotation has been tested severely this season, utilizing 13 different starting pitchers, making Rodriguez's return all the more vital.
The Diamondbacks' success stands in stark contrast to the recent struggles of the Cleveland Guardians. The loss extended the Guardians' losing streak to five consecutive games, a season-high for the team. Prior to this slump, Cleveland had not lost more than three consecutive games all season. This downturn has narrowed their AL Central lead to just 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin since June 8.
Meanwhile, the Guardians are in desperate need of reversing their fortunes to maintain their grip on the division. The five-game skid has put added pressure on the team to regroup and find their form as the season progresses.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Eduardo Rodriguez's journey to the Diamondbacks was full of twists and turns. He opted out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers and used his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. Now, firmly embedded in the Diamondbacks' plans, Rodriguez looks poised to make a substantial impact. His debut is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope and stability for an Arizona team determined to cement its status as a formidable contender.
As the Diamondbacks continue their impressive run and the Guardians seek to halt their slide, the MLB landscape remains as unpredictable and thrilling as ever. Rodriguez's performance serves as a testament to the unforeseen twists that make baseball such a captivating sport. For the Diamondbacks, the road ahead looks promising, with Rodriguez potentially playing a key role in their quest for postseason glory.