Eduardo Rodriguez Makes Triumphant Debut with Diamondbacks After Lengthy Recovery
The Arizona Diamondbacks marked a significant milestone Wednesday afternoon, as Eduardo Rodriguez made his much-anticipated debut. The left-hander had been sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training and made his first appearance in the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rodriguez, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract in December, spent an extensive recovery period without any minor-league rehab starts, undergoing four months of rehabilitation. During his recovery, he faced minor leaguers in simulated games at the team's spring training complex. The injury, initially described as a cramp in his back near his shoulder, kept him off the mound far longer than expected.
Despite these setbacks, Rodriguez was finally able to make his 2024 debut, containing the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. He impressively required only 65 pitches to complete his outing. Reflecting on his return, Rodriguez said, "I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push." He emphasized his focus on contributing to the team's postseason ambitions, adding, "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 Diamondbacks secured a 5-3 victory over the Guardians, improving their record to 63-52 for the season. This win also marked the team's 18th victory in their last 23 games, underscoring their strong recent performance. The Diamondbacks now find themselves just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West lead, depending on the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
Rodriguez's return is especially significant given the team's rotation challenges this season. Arizona has utilized 13 different starting pitchers over the course of the year. Rodriguez’s successful debut brings much-needed stability to the Diamondbacks' pitching staff, although his velocity was noticeably down compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers. Last season, he made 26 starts and threw 131 1/3 innings with an impressive 3.30 ERA.
The current run has not only boosted the Diamondbacks' standing but also cast a spotlight on Rodriguez’s potential impact going forward. With an already competitive pitching staff taking shape, the team's prospects for a postseason berth are looking increasingly promising.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians are grappling with a contrasting narrative. Wednesday's loss extended their losing streak to five games, a season-high slump. The Guardians had not previously lost more than three consecutive games this season. This skid has significantly impacted their standing in the AL Central, where their lead has dwindled to just 3 1/2 games—the smallest margin since June 8.
Rodriguez's return to the mound, coupled with the Diamondbacks' ascent, offers a dynamic story of resilience and resurgence. His personal journey has been marked by obstacles, including opting out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers and blocking a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season using his no-trade clause. Now, his focus is clearly on helping his new team achieve their lofty goals.
The debut also coincided with Madison Kelly making his first rehab start on Tuesday, further enhancing the team’s pitching depth. As the Diamondbacks eye a postseason run, the return of their key pitchers could not have come at a better time.
As fans look forward to more of Rodriguez’s outings, the Arizona Diamondbacks are steadily building momentum, fueled by both individual determination and collective effort. Rodriguez's debut is a strong testament to the team's resilience and aspirations, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.