Eduardo Rodríguez’s long-awaited return to the mound was a moment of high anticipation for the Arizona Diamondbacks and their fans. On Wednesday, Rodríguez, who had been out of action for nearly a year due to a lat strain, made his debut start for the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The game marked a significant milestone in his recovery journey and his first appearance for the team since being signed in the offseason.
Rodríguez, a veteran left-handed pitcher known for his composure and skill, spoke to the media the following day, sharing his thoughts on his performance and the challenges he faced during his lengthy recovery. The start against the Cleveland Guardians was not just a return to pitching; it was a significant step in the journey of re-establishing himself as a key player for the Diamondbacks.
Reflecting on his debut, Rodríguez expressed a mixture of relief and satisfaction. “It feels great for the first time in almost a year, since the last time I pitched a real game,” Rodríguez said. His excitement was palpable as he discussed how it felt to be back on the mound. Although he acknowledged that there were areas for improvement, particularly in terms of pitch consistency, he was overall pleased with his performance. The velocity and location of his pitches were solid, which contributed to his ability to work efficiently through his innings.
In the game, Rodríguez managed to go 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits, two walks, and three runs. His performance included only one strikeout and two whiffs, but his efficiency was notable. Throwing just 65 pitches, with 43 of them being strikes, he demonstrated a commendable level of control and stamina. His pitch count was particularly impressive given the circumstances, and it allowed him to pitch deeper into the game than some might have anticipated for his first start back.
Despite the less-than-stellar box score, Rodríguez’s outing was precisely what the Diamondbacks had hoped for. His ability to keep his pitch count low and work into the sixth inning provided more length than expected and was a valuable contribution to the team. His control of the game was evident, even though he surrendered two solo home runs. Rodríguez managed to hand over a 4-3 lead to Kevin Ginkel in the sixth inning, and the Diamondbacks ultimately held on for the win. This victory was particularly special for Rodríguez, as it marked his first win with the Diamondbacks and came just one out shy of a Quality Start.
Rodríguez’s ability to manage his pitch count effectively was a significant aspect of his performance. “I always try to control the game, I always try to keep my pitch count [as low] as I can, and yesterday was really good,” he explained. His ability to pitch into the sixth inning was a testament to his skill and preparation. Rodríguez’s appreciation for manager Torey Lovullo’s decision to allow him to pitch longer was evident. The decision to extend his outing was as beneficial to the bullpen as it was to Rodríguez, providing valuable rest for the team’s relief pitchers.
The game was also notable for the debut of young catching prospect Adrian Del Castillo, who made his first major league start. It is not uncommon for a young catcher to work with a veteran pitcher, but Rodríguez had prior experience with Del Castillo. The young catcher had caught some of Rodríguez’s bullpen sessions during Spring Training, which helped build a rapport between them.
Rodríguez was positive about his interaction with Del Castillo, praising the young catcher’s performance and decision-making. “He followed my lead, I followed his sometimes,” Rodríguez said. He appreciated Del Castillo’s pitch-calling and positioning, which contributed to the overall effectiveness of their collaboration. The veteran’s comfort with Del Castillo was also evident in his preference for using hand signals over the PitchCom device, which is commonly used in modern baseball to relay pitch calls. Rodríguez noted that while he occasionally uses the PitchCom, he often prefers hand signals, particularly when working with a catcher he trusts.
The journey to Rodríguez’s debut was marked by significant challenges. The lat strain he suffered in Spring Training was a major setback, and the injury was aggravated in April, leading to an extended recovery period. The frustration of being away from the team and watching from the sidelines was a difficult experience for Rodríguez. “It’s always hard when you’re on the injured list and you’re away from everybody,” he admitted. The desire to contribute and be with his teammates was a strong motivator for him throughout his recovery.
Rodríguez’s absence was particularly notable as the Diamondbacks thrived during his time away. The team had been performing exceptionally well, with a record of 63-52 and a strong position in the Wild Card race. While Rodríguez enjoyed watching his team’s success from a distance, he was eager to contribute to their continued success. “It was great to see them winning and be in the position where they are now,” he said. His focus was on how he could add value to the team as they prepared for the postseason.
The Diamondbacks had shown that they could play well without him, but Rodríguez’s return was a boost to the team’s rotation. As the season progressed, he was determined to be a part of the team’s push for the postseason. “I wasn’t part of the beginning, but I want to be part of the end, which is the best part to me,” Rodríguez said. His determination to contribute to the team’s final stretch of games and potential playoff run was a reflection of his commitment and drive.
Rodríguez’s debut start was a significant moment for both him and the Diamondbacks. It was a testament to his perseverance through injury and his readiness to rejoin the team at a crucial time in the season. The positive aspects of his performance, coupled with the team’s continued success, set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season. As the Diamondbacks look to build on their strong position and make a push for the playoffs, Rodríguez’s presence on the mound is a valuable asset. His ability to contribute effectively and his experience will play a crucial role in the team’s efforts to secure a successful postseason run.
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