0
0
Impressive Debut for Yariel Rodriguez with Buffalo Bisons
Making his debut in triple-A on Tuesday with the Buffalo Bisons, right-hander Yariel Rodriguez showcased the skills and potential that led the Toronto Blue Jays to sign him to a lucrative five-year, $32 million deal during the off-season. Pitching against the Worcester Red Sox, Boston’s triple-A affiliate, the 27-year-old Cuban delivered a stellar performance, pitching four innings of no-hit ball, allowing only one walk while striking out six.
Rodriguez’s pitch arsenal was on full display as he threw 55 pitches, with an impressive 34 of them being strikes. His four-seam fastball averaged 92.4 m.p.h. while his slider clocked in at 82.9 m.p.h. The right-hander induced seven whiffs during the game, with five strikeouts coming off his fastball and two off his splitter, which he utilized seven times, according to Baseball Savant.
Although primarily relying on his fastball and slider, Rodriguez also mixed in his curveball three times during the game. His ability to generate soft contact was evident by the fact that only one of the six balls in play was considered “hard hit” by Red Sox hitters.
After a delayed start in spring training due to back spasms, Rodriguez made an impact in his two Grapefruit League appearances with the Blue Jays, allowing just two hits and one run over five innings. His last spring training outing versus the Baltimore Orioles saw him concede only one hit and no runs over three innings, showcasing his consistency and skill against formidable lineups.
With the game scoreless when Rodriguez exited after four innings, the reins were handed over to left-handed reliever Mason Fluharty in the fifth inning. While the Bisons have yet to announce their starting pitcher for Wednesday’s game, Blue Jays’ top prospect Ricky Tiedemann is scheduled to take the mound on Thursday for a showcase of the team’s promising young talent.
Image/Photo credit: source url
