Boston Red Sox: Eduardo Rodriguez could be team’s saving grace
By Justin Keene
After making another solid rehab start, Boston Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez looks to be on track to return to the majors this weekend.
All season long, you have heard how the bullpen is the Boston Red Sox’s biggest weakness. With multiple pitchers on the shelf eyeing returns to the big league club, the bullpen could get some ammunition from within.
Eduardo Rodriguez has put together a remarkable 2018 season. In his fourth season in the big leagues, Rodriguez has posted an 11-3 record, 3.44 ERA, 110 strikeouts, and only 32 walks in 19 games started.
More importantly, the team is 16-3 in his starts. He could be the shot in the arm this team needs in their pursuit of a third straight American League East division title, and a potential World Series Championship.
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The 25-year-old lefty is set to return to the rotation this upcoming Saturday in Chicago against the White Sox. It will be his first big league start since being placed on the disabled list July 15 with an ankle sprain, after a nasty collision at first base the day before.
Rodriguez has made 2 starts with the Portland Sea Dogs in his absence from the MLB. His first start was on Monday, August 20. The lefty went 4 innings, fanning 8, while walking only 2 and surrendering 1 hit, on 63 pitches. His most recent, and final start was this past Monday, where he pitched 4 innings, with 6 strikeouts, while only walking 2 and yielding 2 hits. He needed 76 pitches.
With Rodriguez returning to the rotation, Hector Velazquez is expected to head back to the bullpen. With Chris Sale and Steven Wright also on the disabled list, there needs to be more room made in the starting rotation. Brian Johnson could be the next starter moved to the pen, and Nathan Eovaldi could potentially join him down the road.
Last year, the team moved David Price to the bullpen at the end of the season. Price pitched great in relief, as he provided a lengthy arm coming in relief when the starter struggled. This year, the team looks to do the same thing with different starters, and are hoping for the same success.
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The team also has hopes of activating Catcher Christian Vazquez on Saturday as well, who is Rodriguez’ battery mate. Let’s hope the duo can put together yet another solid performance and get a much-needed win.