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Yariel Rodriguez Shines in Fifth Rehab Start
Yariel Rodriguez seems poised to make his return to the major leagues after an impressive performance in his fifth rehab start with triple-A Buffalo. The right-hander, who was disguised as the Malmö Oat Milkers for the night, threw 67 pitches over 4.0 scoreless innings, striking out 10 batters while allowing just three hits and one walk.
In his previous outing with the Bisons, Rodriguez delivered 3.0 scoreless innings out of the bullpen. However, he returned to the rotation on Tuesday and continued to impress at the triple-A level.
According to Baseball Savant, Rodriguez showcased five different pitches during the game. He threw 23 fastballs, 19 curveballs, 16 sliders, eight splitters, and one sinker. His fastball reached a top speed of 95.1 mph and averaged 92.3 mph, generating four whiffs on nine swings.
Notably, his slider was particularly effective, inducing whiffs on all three occasions Worcester hitters swung at it, while also landing it for a called strike seven times.
Currently sidelined with thoracic spine inflammation, Rodriguez’s imminent return will be a significant boost for the Toronto Blue Jays. The team recently learned that Alek Manoah will miss the remainder of the season following UCL surgery, creating a need for pitching depth.
Bowden Francis most recently filled the No. 5 starter role for the Blue Jays, pitching 4.0 innings in a victory over the Oakland Athletics.
Throughout his five rehab appearances, Rodriguez has surrendered just one run, with his rehab assignment scheduled to conclude on June 19. Prior to his injury, the 27-year-old had recorded a 4.11 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 15.1 innings across four starts in the MLB.
After his latest stellar performance on Tuesday, Rodriguez has lowered his minor-league ERA to an impressive 0.52, striking out 26 batters in 17.1 innings.
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