Rookie pitcher Yariel Rodríguez appears to be a strong candidate for the Toronto Blue Jays’ fifth starter position. He has delivered two impressive outings as a starter, beginning with a solid performance in his MLB debut against the Colorado Rockies. He followed this up with another dominant showing against the San Diego Padres on Friday evening. Despite not pitching into the fifth inning in either start, Rodríguez did not secure a win, but his commanding presence on the mound has not gone unnoticed. Manager John Schneider noted Rodríguez’s versatility, highlighting his effectiveness as both a starter and a potential bullpen asset if required. However, based on his promising performances in his first two starts, it seems likely that Rodríguez could indeed fill the role of the Blue Jays’ fifth starter in the rotation.
Yariel Rodríguez has a 2.35 ERA with 13 strikeouts in his first 2 @MLB starts! pic.twitter.com/rEytd3EZhZ
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 20, 2024
Yariel Rodríguez is in contention to become the fifth starter
In his Major League Baseball debut, rookie Rodríguez tallied six strikeouts and allowed just one run on four hits across 3 2/3 innings. Against the Padres, he notched seven strikeouts, surrendering three hits and one earned run. Currently sporting a 2.35 ERA, Rodríguez has impressed not only with his rookie statistics but also with his evident drive, energy, and confidence, notably displayed in his second start. When Daulton Varsho made a remarkable outfield catch, Rodríguez enthusiastically raised his arms in celebration. He also exhibited urgency and vigor as he continued to strike out batters after stepping off the mound.
Based on his impressive performances in his first two starts, Rodríguez appears deserving of the Blue Jays’ fifth starter position. With Bowden Francis facing some struggles as a starter this season, Rodríguez’s offseason signing by the Blue Jays becomes significant. Additionally, given Alek Manoah’s recent struggles, having Rodríguez as a fifth starter could prove beneficial. The Blue Jays boast a formidable starting rotation, and Rodríguez’s continued strong pitching would enhance their overall performance. However, it’s worth noting that he is on a strict pitch limit for each start due to his limited innings last year, aside from the World Baseball Classic, necessitating careful management of his workload.
Rodríguez Has Found His Home
The acquisition of Rodríguez has proven to be a significant asset for the Blue Jays. His impressive pitching abilities have helped alleviate some of the concerns surrounding Manoah’s recent struggles. Rodríguez’s participation with Team Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic generated excitement prior to his arrival in Toronto, and his prior experience in Japan has been invaluable in preparing him for Major League Baseball. As he gains more experience, it will be beneficial for Rodríguez to pitch deeper into games. If he secures the role of the Blue Jays’ fifth starter, it could mark a significant milestone in his career. Thus far, Rodríguez has shown early promise and has seamlessly integrated into the Blue Jays’ lineup. In his short time with the team, he has already made a distinctive mark in franchise history, becoming the first Cuban-born pitcher to start a game for Toronto since its inception in 1977.
