On Wednesday afternoon, the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated a significant milestone, marked by the highly anticipated debut of Eduardo Rodriguez. Signed in December to a four-year, $80 million contract, Rodriguez's debut had been eagerly awaited by fans and team members alike.
Rodriguez's journey to the mound was not without its challenges. Sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, an injury originally described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder, Rodriguez had undergone a rigorous four-month recovery period. Instead of traditional minor-league rehab starts, Rodriguez faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex to prepare himself for his return.
Making his Diamondbacks debut in the second game of a doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians, Rodriguez faced the challenge head-on. Over 5 2/3 innings, he exhibited control and precision, allowing just three runs on four hits and two walks. Remarkably, he required only 65 pitches to complete his outing, a testament to his efficiency and command on the mound.
The game concluded with a 5-3 victory for the Diamondbacks, pushing their record to an impressive 63-52 on the season. This win also marked their 18th triumph in the last 23 games, emphasizing the team's momentum as they edged closer to the NL West lead, now just 3 1/2 games behind, pending the outcome of the Dodgers' game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite his solid performance, Rodriguez's velocity was noticeably down compared to his 2023 stint with the Detroit Tigers, where he made 26 starts, throwing 131 1/3 innings with a commendable 3.30 ERA. Reflecting on his return, Rodriguez expressed optimism and commitment. "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," he said. "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's return was a much-needed boost for the Diamondbacks, who have utilized 13 different starting pitchers this season. His presence on the mound could be a pivotal factor as the team aims to maintain its winning trajectory and secure a postseason berth.
On the other side of the diamond, the Cleveland Guardians faced a starkly different scenario. The loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat, setting a season-high losing streak. Prior to this slump, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games. This downturn has significantly impacted their standing, with their AL Central lead dwindling to just 3 1/2 games – the smallest margin they have held since June 8.
The sobering reality for the Guardians is compounded by the fact that Rodriguez, prior to joining the Diamondbacks, had exercised his contractual rights to opt out from the Detroit Tigers and blocked a potential deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers using his no-trade clause last season. His selective decision-making ultimately brought him to Arizona, where he now looks to forge a new chapter with a team on the rise.
Adding to the depth of Rodriguez's return, Merrill Kelly also made his first rehab start on Tuesday, indicating a positive trend for the Diamondbacks' pitching roster. As the season progresses, the contributions of seasoned players like Rodriguez and the recovery of key pitchers like Kelly could play crucial roles in the Diamondbacks' quest for a successful postseason run.
The Diamondbacks' ability to overcome injuries and maintain resilience has been a noteworthy theme this season. With a bolstered roster and the strategic return of key players, the team's prospects appear bright. Rodriguez's debut, albeit slightly delayed, serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the collective determination that defines the Diamondbacks' 2024 season.