In a highly anticipated comeback, Eduardo Rodriguez made his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant milestone both for him personally and for his new team. The left-handed pitcher, who had been sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, returned to the mound in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez, who signed a substantial four-year, $80 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December, faced an extended recovery period. Initially described as experiencing a cramp in his back near his shoulder, his injury required a four-month hiatus, cutting him out of any minor-league rehab starts. Despite this, Rodriguez managed to prepare himself through simulated games against minor leaguers at the team's spring training complex.
Rodriguez's Performance on the Mound
In his 2024 debut, Rodriguez displayed a notable efficiency, containing the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Impressively, he achieved this with only 65 pitches, a testament to his control and stamina despite the long layoff. "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," Rodriguez said, expressing his eagerness to contribute.
The game culminated in a 5-3 victory for the Diamondbacks, further bolstering their standing with an improved season record of 63-52. This win added to their remarkable performance streak, having secured 18 victories in their last 23 games. "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, emphasizing his commitment to the team's success.
Diamondbacks' Strong Season Performance
The Diamondbacks' recent form has been impressive, with their current run placing them just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers' game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The team's resilience and depth are noteworthy, particularly given that they have utilized 13 different starting pitchers this season.
Rodriguez's re-entry into the rotation couldn't have come at a better time for Arizona. Although his velocity was down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers—where he made 26 starts, throwing 131 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA—his strategic pitching and experience provide an invaluable asset as the Diamondbacks aim for a postseason berth.
Guardians' Struggles Continue
On the other hand, the Cleveland Guardians are grappling with a challenging period, enduring a season-high five consecutive losses. This slump has significantly impacted their AL Central lead, which now stands at a dwindling 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin since June 8. Previously, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games, making this current losing streak all the more concerning for the team.
Looking Back at Rodriguez's Journey
Rodriguez's journey over the past year has seen its share of twists and turns. Opting out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers and utilizing his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has taken control of his career path with definitive choices. This debut with Arizona is a significant step forward as he looks to leave his mark in the NL West.
Encouraging Signs Moving Forward
Rodriguez's return is a beacon of hope and determination, not just for him but for a Diamondbacks squad eager to make a deep postseason run. With fellow pitcher Kelly making his first rehab start on Tuesday, the team is gradually regaining its full strength, which could be pivotal as the regular season progresses.
In summary, Eduardo Rodriguez's successful debut after a prolonged injury not only demonstrates his own resilience but also propels the Diamondbacks forward in an already impressive season run. The coming weeks will be crucial as Arizona seeks to secure its place in the postseason, with Rodriguez playing a key role in that endeavor.