The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon with the much-anticipated debut of pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. Coming off a prolonged recovery from a shoulder injury, Rodriguez faced the Cleveland Guardians in the second game of a doubleheader, helping lead his team to a 5-3 victory.
Long-Awaited Return
Rodriguez's arrival has been eagerly awaited by Diamondbacks fans since he signed a lucrative four-year, $80 million contract in December. Initially sidelined by a shoulder injury described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder, Rodriguez underwent a four-month recovery period. Throughout his rehab, he faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex, bypassing any minor-league rehab starts.
"I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," Rodriguez said ahead of his debut. This sentiment echoed his offseason preparation, which was firmly focused on contributing to the team's postseason aspirations. "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."
Strong Performance Despite Lower Velocity
In his return, Rodriguez contained the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings, requiring only 65 pitches to complete his outing. Despite his velocity being down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, his control and efficiency stood out. In 2023, Rodriguez made 26 starts and threw 131 1/3 innings, boasting a 3.30 ERA.
Wednesday's performance was a crucial addition to the Diamondbacks’ rotation, marking their utilization of 13 different starting pitchers this season. Rodriguez's ability to pitch effectively after a significant layoff is a promising development for a team that has been riding high recently.
Diamondbacks Riding a Hot Streak
The Diamondbacks have now bolstered their record to 63-52 on the season. The team has been in impeccable form, winning 18 of their last 23 games. This recent surge has them sitting just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
With Rodriguez back in the fold and poised to fortify the rotation, the Diamondbacks appear poised to make a robust push for the playoffs. The left-hander's return couldn't have been timelier, providing a fresh arm during a crucial stretch of the season.
Guardians in a Slump
On the flip side, the Cleveland Guardians have found themselves in a troubling stretch, having now lost five consecutive games—an season-high losing streak. Prior to this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games all season. Their lead in the AL Central has dwindled to just 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they've held since June 8.
Looking Ahead
As Rodriguez continues to find his rhythm and regain his velocity, the Diamondbacks will be closely monitoring his progress. The team's pitching depth will be key to maintaining their momentum and striving for a postseason berth. Rodriguez's successful debut is a bright spot in what has been a thrilling season for Arizona fans, and his performance will be essential as they look to close the gap in the NL West standings.
For the Guardians, halting their current losing streak will be paramount to preserving their division lead. As the season progresses, both teams will be keenly aware of the fine margins that define success and failure in Major League Baseball.