On a pivotal Wednesday afternoon, the Arizona Diamondbacks reached a significant milestone. Eduardo Rodriguez, who had been sidelined by a shoulder injury since spring training, finally made his highly anticipated debut. The seasoned pitcher was a key off-season acquisition for the Diamondbacks, signing a four-year, $80 million contract back in December.
Rodriguez's debut was painfully delayed due to what was initially described as a cramp in his back near the shoulder but was later diagnosed as a more serious shoulder injury. The injury necessitated a four-month recovery period, during which Rodriguez did not participate in any minor-league rehab starts, focusing instead on simulated games at the team's spring training complex.
An Impressive Return
In the second game of Arizona's doubleheader sweep against the Cleveland Guardians, Rodriguez showcased his resilience. Although not at full velocity compared to his 2023 performance with the Detroit Tigers—where he posted a 3.30 ERA over 131 1/3 innings in 26 starts—Rodriguez still managed to contain the Guardians to three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Remarkably, he required only 65 pitches to complete his outing.
His efforts paid off, as the Diamondbacks secured a 5-3 victory, improving their record to 63-52. This win further accentuated the team's unstoppable momentum, marking their 18th victory out of the last 23 games. The Diamondbacks now sit just 3 1/2 games behind the NL West leaders, pending the outcome of the Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.
"I'm glad that I'm going to pitch this season and be able to help the team for that last push," said Rodriguez, reflecting on his return. "That's what we're really looking for and what I've prepared myself to go out there and do: help my team to go to the postseason again."
Implications for the Diamondbacks
Rodriguez's return comes at a crucial time for the Diamondbacks, who have had to rely on 13 different starting pitchers this season due to various injuries and inconsistencies. His presence not only bolsters their rotation but also provides a much-needed boost as the team eyes a postseason berth.
Another glimmer of hope for the Diamondbacks came with Merrill Kelly making his first rehab start on Tuesday, indicating that reinforcements might be on the way soon. The combination of Kelly and a hopefully fully-resurgent Rodriguez could be the X-factor Arizona needs to maintain their momentum into the playoffs.
Guardians’ Struggles
On the opposing side, the Cleveland Guardians are grappling with issues of their own. The loss to the Diamondbacks marked their fifth consecutive defeat, a season-high losing streak. This slump has significantly impacted their standings in the AL Central, reducing their lead to just 3 1/2 games—an unsettling position they haven't been in since June 8.
Prior to this downturn, the Guardians had not lost more than three consecutive games, showcasing the severity of their current predicament. The team will need to regroup quickly to stave off any challenges to their division lead.
Looking Back and Ahead
Rodriguez’s journey back to the mound has been fraught with uncertainty. After opting out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers and subsequently using his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, his commitment to the Diamondbacks had much riding on it. The successful debut not only justifies the Arizona front office's investment but also cements Rodriguez's role as a potential game-changer for the remainder of the season.
With his shoulder issues seemingly behind him, Rodriguez aims to be a critical component of the Diamondbacks’ late-season surge. His return and the encouraging progress of other key players could propel Arizona into an enviable position, both in the regular season and potentially in the playoff picture.
What remains to be seen is how Rodriguez's arm holds up in the next few starts and whether this debut is a precursor to a strong finish. For now, Diamondbacks fans can celebrate the promise he displayed on the mound and hope this is just the beginning of a triumphant comeback.