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Last April and May, Eduardo Rodríguez reminded everyone why he had so much hype as a rookie and frequently can be found on lists of post-hype sleepers. Rodríguez had a six-game stretch with four shutouts and two games with one earned run for the Tigers.
With a few injuries throughout the remainder of the year and a couple of blow-ups, Rodríguez came back to earth overall in 2023. However, his potential for brilliance, strikeout upside, and now a move to the NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks has had Rodríguez shooting up draft boards going into 2024.
Unfortunately, after many leagues had already drafted, news came out that Rodríguez suffered an oblique injury and would start the year on the IL. The Diamondbacks just recently signed Jordan Montgomery, making them an even more formidable option to return to the World Series. Rodríguez will return to a very competitive Diamondbacks squad once he is ready.
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Eduardo Rodríguez Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball
A little over one week ago, news came out that Rodríguez had exited a Cactus League game early due to latissimus dorsi (lat) tightness. A notoriously fickle injury, at that time the path to his return was quite murky.
Eduardo Rodriguez injury: Diamondbacks lefty will start season on IL, return timetable unknown https://t.co/wt7ID4OeSD
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) March 22, 2024
The initial news reports indicated the first barrier to ramping up was that Rodríguez be asymptomatic, or without any pain. While that could have taken an indeterminate amount of time, the more recent good news it that E-Rod has started a throwing program. Putting these pieces of information together, E-Rod has already passed a big hurdle by returning to throwing of any kind.
Eduardo Rodriguez started his throwing program yesterday (throwing out to 60 feet).
— Jody Jackson (@Jody_Jackson) March 27, 2024
The Diamondbacks will certainly be cautious with Rodríguez, particularly with the addition of Montgomery to lessen the blow a bit. While a return in May might be possible, it seems more likely Rodríguez will slowly ramp up over the coming month or two and return in June or closer to the break. How he progresses through his throwing program will be critical for managers to monitor.
Eduardo Rodríguez Fantasy Baseball Outlook
When he does return, Rodríguez will be pitching for a strong Diamondbacks club hankering for a return to the World Series to prove themselves. With that upside for wins, a solid 23.0% K% in 2023, and flashes of brilliance throughout his career, E-Rod makes for a solid SP3 on any fantasy manager's staff with the potential for SP2 upside. And if he gives up fewer HR this season, we can all have some fun pinning that on the infamous Chase Field humidor.
Eduardo Rodríguez, K'ing the Side. pic.twitter.com/QvW8mJl9LN
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 20, 2023
At age 30, Rodríguez shows no signs of slowing down. Between 2022 and 2023, he increased his fastball velocity leading to an increase in Whiff% from 16.9% to 22.2%. The similar release with his changeup frequently fools hitters, and he also maintains a wicked 89mph cutter with great command.
DBACKS, EROD LETS GOOOOO!
Eduardo Rodriguez has gotten better and better since missing the 2020 season. Savant has his pitches run values improving since 2021
His ERA has dropped from 4.74, 4.05, 3.30 from 2021-2023
Only scare: has only thrown 160.0+ IP once (2019) pic.twitter.com/j3W5yUifme
— Dalton Feely (@dfeely14) December 7, 2023
E-Rod has always carried a bit of injury risk and this oblique situation is one to monitor closely. But if he can return in the first half, he makes for a great IL stash with significant upside. He has always had the pitches of a great pitcher, and perhaps he will put it all together while fighting for a title in the desert.
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