Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks have suffered a significant setback to their starting rotation just days before the onset of the 2024 MLB regular season. According to D’Backs MLB.com beat writer Steve Gilbert’s initial report, manager Torey Lovullo disclosed that left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez has been placed on the injured list due to a lat strain, with no clear timeline for his return.
“Torey Lovullo has confirmed that D’Backs southpaw Eduardo Rodríguez is sidelined with a lat strain,” Gilbert shared on X (previously known as Twitter). “He will be inactive until symptoms subside.”
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Expected to hold the No. 2 or 3 position in the rotation, Rodríguez’s absence leaves a significant void. In his place, Merrill Kelly is anticipated to step into the second slot behind Opening Day starter Zac Gallen while Rodríguez focuses on recovery. Brandon Pfaadt is set to assume the role of the Diamondbacks’ No. 3 pitcher for the time being, with Ryne Nelson, Tommy Henry, and Bryce Jarvis vying for rotation spots.
This development comes as a blow to Rodríguez, who signed a lucrative four-year contract worth $80 million during the offseason. With an 0-1 record, an 8.00 ERA, and 11 strikeouts over 9.0 innings in four starts, Rodríguez’s Spring Training performance will unfortunately be cut short.
Despite the setback, Arizona still has five games remaining in their Spring Training schedule before their highly anticipated regular season opener against the Colorado Rockies. Tomorrow, they will face the San Francisco Giants at 1:05 p.m. in Scottsdale.
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