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Predicting Boston Red Sox 2021 Opening Day starting rotation

By Scott Edwards

FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox Eduardo Rodriguez (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Lock: Eduardo Rodriguez

The 2021 season should mark the return of Eduardo Rodriguez. The 2019 AL Cy Young finalist was lost for the shortened 2020 season when COVID-19 led to complications, leading to Rodriguez missing the entire season. Now healthy and back on track, Rodriguez should be expected to be your Opening Day starter and ace this season.

The last time the Red Sox had Rodriguez in their rotation, he started in a league-high 34 games and delivered his first 200 inning season of his career. Rodriguez was finally locked-in and healthy for the Red Sox and if he can return with this form, then he is going to be masterful once again.

All eyes will be on Boston Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez

Now, the biggest question going into the season for “E-Rod” outside of his health is if he can handle the output of an ace and deliver in that role. For the most part in the 2019 season, he had to be that as Sale’s struggles were very notable. It shouldn’t be a problem and Alex Cora is betting on that.

Rodriguez’s return gives the Sox something they were in need of last year and that is a top of the rotation starter who can go out there every five days and compete. Instantly, he becomes the most important pitcher on the team this season and should contribute to the point that he is seen as a true ace moving forward.

High hopes? Yes. But reasonable considering what he has done in the past.

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