PHILADELPHIA — Eduardo Rodriguez needed only one inning to leave Arizona Diamondbacks fans wondering why he didn’t get the nod to start this year’s All-Star Game.
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Jul 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) now pitching at the bottom of the third inning at Dodger Stadium as they play against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images
The veteran left-hander worked a scoreless second inning in the Midsummer Classic, retiring the first three batters he faced on just eight pitches. In his All-Star debut, Rodriguez showcased the form that has made him one of baseball’s most reliable starters, giving D-Backs fans on social media reason to argue that he should have started the game.
Eduardo Rodriguez 1-2-3 inning in his sleep
Maybe he should’ve been the NL starter
— Mike (@mike5_5_5) July 15, 2026
Should’ve Started 🔥👏🏽🤩 #Dbacks https://t.co/F8nDs1zvVe
— defleppardsucks (@deflepsucks) July 15, 2026
Should’ve started the 1st inning lol
— Cameron (@CameronClowe29) July 15, 2026
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; National League Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) makes a pitch during the first inning against the American League at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Although All-Star managers weigh different factors when selecting a starter, including performance, workload and availability, this year’s game being played in Philadelphia also factored into National League manager Dave Roberts’ decision to give the nod to Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez.
Still, when the Arizona southpaw took the mound, he pitched the way fans have come to expect. He didn’t overpower American League hitters with velocity but rather with precise location and an ability to keep hitters off balance. That efficiency is what helped him earn the first All-Star selection of his 11-year career.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) on the mound during the second inning for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Rodriguez’s performance reinforced what Diamondbacks fans have seen all season, displaying the poise and confidence to compete against the best in baseball. Even if it was just one inning, it added to the belief that he was worthy of getting the ball to start the game for the NL.
As Arizona begins the second half of the season and pushes for a postseason berth, Rodriguez will continue to be a key piece of its rotation, and his All-Star debut was another chapter in his spectacular year.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez makes quick but impactful All-Star debut
