RADIO
Eduardo Rodriguez 2019 Outlook: Health Still Obstacle To Expectations?
6 years agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez’ career has been marred by injuries. Though 2018 had obstacles of its own, he finished the season with a 13-5 record, a 3.82 ERA, and 146 strikeouts in 129 innings. Despite a slow start to the season due to recovery from knee surgery, Rodriguez had a 3.44 ERA in the first half. An inflated walk rate (4.68) and a drastic increase in fly-ball rate (53.5%) contributed to an inflated ERA in the second half (5.40), but some of this could be attributed to an ankle injury so no need to be concerned right now. Rodriguez continues to progress each year, and in 2018, he had career numbers in Wins, ERA, and K/9 (10.13). He also utilized a cutter (18%) more in his arsenal, which resulted in a 30.8% strikeout rate. Rodriguez will have his first fully healthy offseason before the 2019 season. He will slot in as the fourth starter for the 2018 World Series champs which will increase his opportunity of facing lesser competition resulting in more chances for wins. Rodriguez was limited in 2018 to 23 starts, one short of his career-high in 2017 season. With a full season of starts, he can easily outperform his current ADP of 156 and potentially get close to reaching the SP2 level expectations.
