The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon as Eduardo Rodriguez made his much-anticipated debut after being sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training. The left-handed pitcher made his first appearance in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Diamondbacks roster.
Rodriguez, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Arizona in December, faced a challenging road to recovery. His debut was delayed due to a shoulder injury that was initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder. Despite the setback, Rodriguez underwent a four-month recovery period without any minor-league rehab starts, instead facing minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex.
A Triumphant Return
In his 2024 debut, Rodriguez displayed exceptional poise on the mound, containing the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. He required only 65 pitches to complete his outing, a testament to his efficiency and control. The Diamondbacks emerged victorious with a 5-3 win over the Guardians, improving their record to 63-52 on the season.
"I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," said Rodriguez. His performance was a significant boost for the Diamondbacks, who have won 18 of their last 23 games and are now just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
Season Overview
Rodriguez's velocity was down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, where he made 26 starts and threw 131 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA. Despite this, his return to the mound was a promising sign for a team that has utilized 13 different starting pitchers this season. The Diamondbacks' rotation has been in flux, making Rodriguez’s steady presence even more critical as they push for a postseason berth.
"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 emphasized, highlighting his commitment to contributing to the Diamondbacks’ success down the stretch.
Guardians’ Struggles
On the flip side, the Cleveland Guardians are grappling with their own challenges. The team has lost five consecutive games, marking the longest losing streak of their season. Prior to this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. Their AL Central lead has now dwindled to 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they've held since June 8.
Rodriguez’s solid performance against the Guardians is a reflection of Arizona’s recent dominance. The Diamondbacks’ ability to maintain momentum, evidenced by their recent winning streak, positions them well for the critical games ahead.
Adding to the Diamondbacks' roster moves, Kelly made his first rehab start on Tuesday, indicating that the team is getting healthier at a pivotal time in the season. With key players returning and contributing, the Diamondbacks are poised to make a strong push as they look to close the gap in the NL West standings.
As the Diamondbacks continue their pursuit of a postseason spot, Rodriguez’s return could not have come at a better time. His experience and skill set provide Arizona with a significant boost, enhancing their chances of making a deep playoff run. The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the team's resilience and depth, but with Rodriguez back in the rotation, the Diamondbacks' future looks increasingly promising.