The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone on Wednesday afternoon with the eagerly awaited debut of Eduardo Rodriguez. The southpaw, who had been sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, made his first appearance on the mound in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract in December, faced a challenging path to this moment. Initially, his shoulder injury was described as a back cramp near his shoulder, but it ultimately required a four-month recovery period. Remarkably, Rodriguez made his debut without any minor-league rehab starts, instead facing minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex.
Rodriguez's First Outing
Despite the lengthy layoff, Rodriguez showcased his resilience and effectiveness on the mound. In his 2024 debut, he managed to contain the Guardians, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Notably, he required only 65 pitches to complete his outing, displaying remarkable efficiency.
The Diamondbacks secured a 5-3 victory over the Guardians, a win that not only marked Rodriguez's successful return but also improved the team's record to 63-52 for the season. This victory was part of a broader trend, as the Diamondbacks have now won 18 of their last 23 games, solidifying their position in the NL West, just 3 1/2 games behind the lead, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
Challenges and Triumphs
Rodriguez's velocity was noticeably down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers. In his previous season, he made 26 starts, amassing 131 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA. The transition to the Diamondbacks came after he opted out of his contract with the Tigers and utilized his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
Reflecting on his journey and debut, Rodriguez shared, "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push." He further emphasized his commitment to the team's postseason aspirations, saying, "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."
The Guardians' Struggles
On the other side of the diamond, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves in the midst of a challenging period. Wednesday's defeat marked their fifth consecutive loss, the longest losing streak of their season. Prior to this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. As a result, their AL Central lead has dwindled to just 3 1/2 games, the smallest margin they've held since June 8.
The Road Ahead
The Diamondbacks' rotation has seen significant turbulence this season, with 13 different starting pitchers taking the mound. Rodriguez's successful debut adds a reliable arm to their roster amid this ever-evolving pitching landscape. Additionally, Merrill Kelly made his first rehab start on Tuesday, adding further depth and optimism for the team's pitching staff.
As the Diamondbacks continue their push for the postseason, the integration of Rodriguez into their rotation could prove pivotal. His triumphant return not only boosts the team's morale but also enhances their competitive edge in the highly contested NL West race.
For Arizona fans, Wednesday's game was a beacon of hope and a testament to Rodriguez's resilience and determination. As the season progresses, both he and the Diamondbacks will be looking to build on this milestone and strive for greater success in the weeks to come.