Wednesday afternoon marked a significant milestone for the Arizona Diamondbacks, as Eduardo Rodriguez made his much-anticipated debut after being sidelined since spring training. Rodriguez, who had been recovering from a shoulder injury, took the mound in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez's Journey Back
After signing a four-year, $80 million contract in December, Rodriguez faced an unexpected setback when what was initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder turned out to be a more serious shoulder injury. This led to an extensive four-month recovery period, during which Rodriguez did not participate in any minor-league rehab starts. Instead, he faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex to prepare for his return.
In his debut, Rodriguez contained the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings, impressively requiring only 65 pitches to complete his outing. Reflecting on his return, Rodriguez expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team's success, stating, "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push." He added, "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 the postseason again."
Diamondbacks Surge Continues
The Diamondbacks emerged victorious in Rodriguez's debut with a 5-3 win over the Guardians, further solidifying their strong performance this season. With this victory, Arizona improved its record to 63-52, having won 18 of their last 23 games. The team currently sits just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
Rodriguez's previous season with the Detroit Tigers saw him make 26 starts, throwing for 131 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA. However, his velocity during his debut with the Diamondbacks was notably down compared to his 2023 performance. Despite this, his efficient outing has provided a boost to Arizona's rotation, which has utilized 13 different starting pitchers this season.
Challenges for the Guardians
On the other side of the diamond, the Cleveland Guardians are experiencing a challenging period. The team has now lost five consecutive games, marking their season-high losing streak. Prior to this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. This recent decline has reduced their AL Central lead to 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they have held since June 8.
Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, using his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. Now, as he looks forward to contributing to the Diamondbacks, his return marks a critical moment for a team aiming for postseason contention.
In another recovery update, Kelly, another key player for the Diamondbacks, made his first rehab start on Tuesday, adding further depth to a team seeking to maintain its momentum.
As the Diamondbacks continue their push towards the top of the NL West, Rodriguez's return offers a promising sign of things to come. With a reinvigorated lineup and a remarkable winning streak, Arizona is poised to remain a formidable contender as the season progresses.