Curt Schilling: Boston Red Sox's Eduardo Rodriguez 'Something Special'

Curt Schilling continues to heap praise on Boston Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez.

Schilling called Rodriguez the Red Sox’s “ace-in-waiting” leading up to the 22-year-old’s second career start last week against the Minnesota Twins. On Wednesday, Schilling, a former Red Sox pitcher now serving as an analyst for ESPN, reiterated his stance regarding the 2014 trade deadline acquisition.

“You’re looking at a guy who, for me, I thought he was by far the most talented player swapped at the deadline last year,” Schilling said on WEEI’s “Dennis and Callahan” of Rodriguez, who was traded to the Red Sox from the Baltimore Orioles last season for reliever Andrew Miller. “He’s just something special.”

Rodriguez owns a 0.44 ERA through three starts after blanking the Orioles for six innings Tuesday night. The left-hander was unable to notch a third consecutive win to open his career, however, as the Red Sox were shut out by the O’s, forcing Rodriguez to settle for a no-decision.

“If you’re focused and you’re trying to win a game, you’re pitching to the score as a young player,” Schilling said of Tuesday’s learning experience. “These are the games you need to pitch when you’re young. You need to learn how to pitch in the 1-0 games or the 2-1 games. Then you start to understand, you take the ball, you go out there and realize the leadoff hitter could be the winning run.”

Rodriguez is the first Red Sox starter since 1914 to begin his career with at least seven strikeouts in each of his first three starts. He’s also the first Boston starter since 1914 to begin his career with three consecutive starts in which he allowed three hits or less.

Something special? You bet.

Schilling hit the nail on the head.