The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon as Eduardo Rodriguez made a long-awaited debut that fans and management alike had been eagerly anticipating. The left-hander, who signed a substantial four-year, $80 million contract in December, finally took the mound in the second game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez's Long Road to Recovery
Rodriguez's journey to this debut was far from straightforward. Initially sidelined by a shoulder injury described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder, Rodriguez underwent a four-month recovery period. This road to recovery included facing minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex. Remarkably, he made his return to the majors without 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 expressed, articulating a sentiment shared by many within the Diamondbacks' organization and fanbase.
Impressive Debut Performance
In his 2024 debut, Rodriguez contained the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Showing remarkable efficiency, he required only 65 pitches to get through his outing, a testament to his readiness and the meticulous planning of his recovery regimen.
The Diamondbacks capitalized on Rodriguez's solid performance, securing a 5-3 victory over the Guardians, thereby improving their record to 63-52 on the season. This win further cemented their status as one of the hottest teams in the league, as they have now won 18 of their last 23 games.
Season Overview
With the win, the Diamondbacks are now just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. The team has masterfully navigated a season that saw them utilize 13 different starting pitchers, demonstrating depth and resilience in their pitching rotation.
Rodriguez's return couldn't have come at a better time as the Diamondbacks make a push for postseason play. "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 stated, underlining his commitment and determination.
Guardians in a Slump
On the flip side, the Cleveland Guardians are experiencing their roughest patch of the season, having lost five consecutive games—a season-high losing streak. Prior to this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. Consequently, their AL Central lead has now dwindled to just 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they have held since June 8.
Looking Back and Ahead
For Rodriguez, the debut also marks a new chapter in an already storied career. Last season, he opted out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, having made 26 starts and thrown 131 1/3 innings with a commendable 3.30 ERA. Despite using his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, his willingness to find a new team and contribute meaningfully is clear.
As the Diamondbacks continue their impressive run, Rodriguez's performance could provide the stability and expertise needed for a successful push towards the postseason. And with Kelly having made his first rehab start on Tuesday, the rotation looks poised to get even stronger.
The narrative of Eduardo Rodriguez and the Arizona Diamondbacks this season is one of resilience, determination, and a keen focus on achieving their postseason ambitions. As the games continue, all eyes will be on Rodriguez and his teammates to see if they can sustain this momentum and make a deep run in the playoffs.