Eduardo Rodriguez literally could not envision a better scenario.
Rodriguez dominated Thursday in his major league debut as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Texas Rangers 5-1 at Globe Life Park. The 22-year-old said after the game he went to sleep early Wednesday and dreamed about his upcoming start, but it didn’t compare to how things actually played out.
“The game was way better (than my dream),” Rodriguez told reporters in Arlington after Thursday’s victory. “I gave up one or two runs (in the dream). But the game was way better.”
One or two runs? That’s child’s play. Rodriguez hurled 7 2/3 shutout innings while earning a win in his first major league start. He struck out seven, walked two and surrendered just three hits.
It was an impressive performance from beginning to end, and Red Sox manager John Farrell even left the door open for the left-hander’s next start to come in the majors with Boston rather than in the minors at Triple-A Pawtucket.
“Anyone who watches this game can see how impressive he is,” Farrell told reporters. “I want to be careful with how far I get out there, but these kind of guys don’t come along all that often. When you combine the ability with the poise and presence on the mound, it was a very solid beginning.”
Rodriguez never once looked overwhelmed by the setting. He worked quickly, economically and effectively throughout the contest, flashing an outstanding repertoire that should serve him well at the big league level in the long run. The Rangers never really stood much of a chance.
Rodriguez’s fastball touched 95-96 mph, his changeup kept hitters off-balance and his slider looked sharp early on. The lefty’s composure stood out more than anything, though. He truly embraced the challenge of snapping Boston’s three-game losing streak on the road against a red-hot lineup.
“For me, this is really surprising, you know, first time throwing in the big leagues and throw a game like that,” Rodriguez admitted.
“It was a really fun,” he added. “First time in the big leagues, first time being in a big league field. Really, really fun.”
Rodriguez probably will think about his debut until the next time he toes the rubber, whether it be for Boston or Pawtucket. But even those flashbacks probably won’t compare to the real deal.
For roughly two and a half hours Thursday night, Rodriguez lived in a fantasy world.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
