The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon with the debut of Eduardo Rodriguez. The highly anticipated moment had been a long time coming for the pitcher and the team alike.
Rodriguez, who had been sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, finally took the mound in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians. This appearance was particularly notable as Rodriguez had signed a four-year, $80 million contract in December, and fans had been eagerly awaiting his first outing.
The delay in Rodriguez's debut stemmed from an injury initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder. This setback led to a four-month recovery period that notably did not include any minor-league rehab starts. Instead, Rodriguez faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex.
His much-anticipated 2024 debut was a success, with Rodriguez managing to hold the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Impressively, he required only 65 pitches to complete his outing. The Diamondbacks emerged victorious with a 5-3 win over the Guardians, further improving their season record to 63-52.
"I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," Rodriguez said after the game. His sentiments underscore the broader aspirations of the Diamondbacks, who have won 18 of their last 23 games and are fiercely contending for the NL West lead, currently sitting 3 1/2 games behind pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Rodriguez. His velocity was down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers, where he made 26 starts and threw 131 1/3 innings with an impressive 3.30 ERA.
Rodriguez's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. 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. Despite these twists and turns, Rodriguez remains focused on his mission with the Diamondbacks. "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," he added.
The Diamondbacks' use of 13 different starting pitchers this season underscores the significance of Rodriguez's return. His stability and experience could prove invaluable as the team pushes for the playoffs.
On the other side of the diamond, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves in a troubling slump. The team has lost five consecutive games, marking a season-high losing streak. It's a stark contrast to their earlier performance, where they had not lost more than three consecutive games. This downturn has significantly impacted their hold on the AL Central lead, reducing it to just 3 1/2 games—the smallest margin since June 8.
In the broader context of the season, the Diamondbacks' resurgence comes at a crucial time. Their recent form and the return of a key player like Rodriguez bolster their chances of making a significant push towards the postseason. Meanwhile, the Guardians face a critical juncture that could define their season.
In another note for the Diamondbacks, Kelly made his first rehab start on Tuesday, signaling potential further reinforcement for the pitching rotation.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Rodriguez continues to integrate into the team and whether the Diamondbacks can maintain their momentum. For now, the debut of Eduardo Rodriguez stands as a pivotal moment, not just for the player but for a team with postseason ambitions firmly in their sights.