Eduardo Rodriguez, who has yet to make a start in a Diamondbacks uniform since signing a four-year, $80 million contract with the team in December, will undergo an MRI on his shoulder on Friday. If the results are favorable, the veteran pitcher is expected to resume a bullpen routine. According to Jon Heyman of the NY Post, Rodriguez could return to the D-backs’ rotation as early as late July.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Eduardo Rodriguez is scheduled for an MRI on his shoulder Friday, if he is 100% healed, he will throw a bullpen right after. He only needs a short time rehabbing to be ready if that’s the case — perhaps 3 weeks to be full go for D-Backs. #ERod
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 2, 2024
This news coincides with the Diamondbacks placing Jordan Montgomery, another significant offseason acquisition, on the 15-day IL due to right knee inflammation. Montgomery allowed eight earned runs in 2.2 innings against the Twins in his final start before heading to the IL. The 31-year-old has posted a 6.44 ERA for the Diamondbacks, highlighting the team’s season-long struggles with starting pitching.
Despite being contenders for a Wild Card spot in the National League, the D-backs have recorded the second-worst team ERA in baseball, ahead of only the Colorado Rockies. Injuries have played a significant role, with Zac Gallen missing time, Merrill Kelly currently on the IL, and Rodriguez yet to pitch this season.
Rodriguez’s injury issues began on March 19th when he left a spring training game against the Cubs in the first inning. A few days later, manager Torey Lovullo downplayed the injury, expressing minimal concern and attributing it to lat discomfort. Rodriguez has since alternated between bullpen sessions and rest due to recurring discomfort.
Rodriguez spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox, where he recorded 64 wins, struck out over 1,100 batters, and had an ERA of 4.16. He also won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2018, serving as a crucial piece out of their bullpen for most of the postseason run.
After his tenure with the Red Sox, Rodriguez played with the Tigers for the past two seasons. In 2023, he went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA.
Stay tuned for further updates.
