There were highs and lows throughout Eduardo Rodriguez’s time with the Detroit Tigers. His second and last season was his greatest, but his first season was difficult. Rodriguez signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that offseason after recording a 3.30 ERA in 26 starts and 152.2 innings of work. It’s reasonable to assume that things have only gotten worse since he signed his contract with the Diamondbacks.
Injury is mostly to blame for Rodriguez’s death. Due to a shoulder ailment, the southpaw was only able to make 10 starts throughout the first four months of the season. In those appearances, he struggled, pitching 50 innings with a 5.04 ERA.
Although he has been healthy this season, Rodriguez’s situation hasn’t improved.
Tigers dodged a bullet by not re-signing Eduardo Rodriguez
Rodriguez has made eight starts this season and has a 6.86 ERA in 40.2 innings. Although he has had a few successful performances, he has mostly struggled. Only twice in eight outings has the 32-year-old pitched six innings, and only twice has he given up two earned runs or less. In as many games, he has given up at least six earned runs.
Even with Rodriguez’s troubles, Arizona’s rotation is in great form with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Brandon Pfaadt, and Merrill Kelly in town, but given his salary, a lot more is anticipated from Rodriguez, who, when at his best, is a rock-solid mid-rotation arm.
Tigers supporters should be grateful that Detroit let him to depart after how badly things have gone for him in Arizona. The Tigers definitely wouldn’t have brought him back at that price, especially after trying to deal him at the previous trade deadline, but after his incredible 2023 season, some fans did want him back.
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Right now, Diamondbacks supporters can only hope that the old Rodriguez will return at some time. Again, he has had a few good games this season, but for the most bulk of his Diamondbacks career, he has been mediocre. Rodriguez will probably need to step up sooner rather than later if this club is to reach its goals.
