Eduardo Rodriguez has been throwing well this spring, especially considering all he went through in the last year.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora officially named the lefty as Boston’s Opening Day starter despite having missed all of last season due to COVID-19 complications.
“He’s one of the best out there,” Cora said following the Red Sox’s 9-1 win over the Minnesota Twins in their Grapefruit League matchup.
“He had a great season in ’19. Last year, he wasn’t able to pitch, for obvious reasons. What he has shown, now that he’s healthy, he’s ready to go.”
Rodriguez allowed a one run and struck out six batters in five innings Wednesday. That brought his ERA to 2.31 after three starts, in which he’s given up eight hits, three earned runs, zero walks and struck out 14 batters.
The pitcher says he’s come in with a whole new mindset this year.
“I will say a couple years ago I was just trying to be too nasty, you know, and I don’t have to be if I want to get quick innings,” Rodriguez said after his performance.
“I just got to throw the ball right close to the strike zone, you know I mean? Early, late in the count, I just got to be close with strike zone and that’s what I think has been changing for me.”
It’s good to see him bouncing back from his bout with the virus and the ensuing myocarditis it caused. And his coaches love what they see.
Cora revealed that he “had an idea” he’d be naming the 27-year-old their Opening Day starter even coming into camp.
“Right now, he has everything on point,” Cora added.
“We’re very happy he’s able to compete and I’m proud he’ll be the guy on Opening Day.”
