Eduardo Rodriguez has looked solid in spring training.
The Boston Red Sox pitcher missed all of 2020 with myocarditis as a result of contracting COVID-19. Rodriguez expected to have a normal spring with no restrictions, and it looks as if he picked up right where he left off in 2019.
The southpaw struck out six batters over four innings of work Thursday in Boston’s 5-4 win over the Minnesota Twins in Grapefruit League action. And while an Opening Day starter has yet to be named, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Rodriguez is being considered.
“I can’t answer you that question, but obviously he’s in the mix,” Cora told reporters after the game.
As for Rodriguez, his confidence continues to build.
“Every time I go out there, I feel like my confidence is getting better with all my pitches,” Rodriguez said Thursday. “You see it today. My changeup was working perfect. Right where I wanted. My fastball command was good. I was working on the breaking ball, trying to bounce it, throw it back door, throw it front door, throw it any spot. So any time I see my pitches working, my confidence is getting better day by day.”
There’s still a few weeks until the Red Sox welcome the Baltimore Orioles to Fenway Park on April 1, but if Rodriguez continues to mirror what he’s done all spring, it will be hard to not give him the ball to start the regular season.
