Through their first 33 games, the Boston Red Sox have the best record in baseball. Their resurgence has been lead by an improved pitching staff and the return of Eduardo Rodriguez. The Red Sox lefty missed all of 2020 but is 5-0 in his first six starts. The former top prospect has been a steady arm this season and has not shown a lot of rust from missing a full season.
In Rodriguez’s first six starts, he has struck out 33 batters and only walked six. In every start, this season he has pitched at least five innings. During the first month of the season, Rodriguez was hard to hit as he held opponents to a .209 average. Every time Rodriguez has taken the mound, he has given the Red Sox a chance to win.
Additionally, he has only allowed more than three earned runs in one start. In his most recent, outing Rodriguez did not have his best stuff but he limited the Orioles to one run. The twenty-eight-year-old has shown good control and only walked six batters. With the return of Rodriguez, the Red Sox have posted a 3.96 ERA which is nearly two runs lower than last year.
For the first time since 2019, Eduardo Rodríguez is back on a mound ! 🔥
pic.twitter.com/FWBmfUIAV7— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) April 8, 2021
While the Red Sox will be careful with Rodriguez’s usage, he has provided a boost to the rotation. In 33 innings of work, he has given up five home runs and posted a 3.82 ERA. So far this season, the Red Sox starters have produced seven quality starts, two of which belong to Rodriguez. In May, he has surrendered 15 hits but only allowed five runs. In that span, opponents are hitting .366 off the Red Sox lefty, but he left the game with the lead in both starts.
What to expect from Rodriguez for the remainder of 2021
Although the season is far from over, Rodriguez’s start has been a top storyline. When healthy, he is a vital part of the rotation. In 2021 the Red Sox rotation has been a pleasant surprise and has been backed by one of the best offenses in baseball. While Nate Eovaldi got the start on Opening Day, Rodriguez has arguably been the Red Sox’s most consistent arm besides Nick Pivetta.
As the season continues, Rodriguez’s performance will be a storyline to watch. His workload will be monitored, but the Red Sox also have the depth to give him extra rest when needed. However, through the first six weeks of the season, he has picked up where he left off in 2019. It is a welcoming sign for the Red Sox as they will need their ace to end their postseason drought.
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