Free-agent relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez last pitched in the major leagues for the Detroit Tigers in June of 2017, but he's hoping to make his way back onto a major league roster. The 38-year-old has pitched in the Nationals minor league system, an independent team in the United State and in Mexico since his release in 2017. K-Rod played in parts of 16 seasons in the major leagues and was a six-time All-Star. He ranks fourth on the all-time list for saves with 437 behind Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman and Lee Smith, all of whom are in the Hall of Fame. It's unlikely that Rodriguez will get another shot in the majors, but even if he does, it would be doubtful that he'd work his way into the closer's role anywhere after three years away from MLB. "As long as I have that conviction, as long as I have that flame, Im going to keep trying. And I know that Im going to do it," Rodriguez said.
Free-agent relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez said he wants to pitch in 2019, according to a source. K-Rod, as he's been come to be known, didn't pitch at all in the big leagues in 2018 but was successful in a stint in independent ball. The right-hander has plenty of closing experience in the big leagues since 2002, having compiled 437 career saves. However, he'll have to hunt for a minor league deal and is no lock to receive one, let alone make it back on a major league roster.
Veteran reliever Francisco Rodriguez, who was fighting for a bullpen spot with the Philadelphia Phillies this spring, has been granted his release by the organization. The 36-year-old who last pitched in the majors with the Detroit Tigers last season, made eight appearances with the Phillies this spring, posting a 5.40 ERA. He clearly wasnt going to be on the major league roster and may not be on one again. Last year with the Tigers, the six-time All-Star posted a 7.12 in 28 appearances, converting seven of 13 save opportunities.
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez was released by the team, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. The 36-year-old hurler was informed that he would not make the Opening Day bullpen, and rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A, asked for his release so he could explore other opportunities. He posted a 5.40 ERA, 2.85 WHIP and 5/8 K/BB ratio over 6 2/3 innings in Grapefruit League play.
Free-agent relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, including an invitation to spring training. Rodriguez can make $2.5 million plus incentives on the deal, which includes an invitation to spring training. Fan Rag Sports' Jon Heyman previously reported a few teams had sent scouts to see K-Rod, and that the reliever was hitting 93 mph in a bullpen session. The 36-year-old may actually have a decent shot at breaking camp with the club, given some of their other 'pen options as spring nears.
Free-agent reliever Francisco Rodriguez told Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports that he hit 93 mph in a recent bullpen session. Rodriguez could not crack 90 mph last summer in the Nationals minor league system and was released on July 14. That was after the Tigers cut him loose on June 23. He is hoping to throw for interested teams sometime this month and would seemingly be willing to accept another non-guaranteed minor league deal. "I still have plenty left," Rodriguez told Heyman. "I'm physically way better than I was last year. I'm ready. If I didn't have it, I'd say it. I'm a straight shooter -; my own worst critic."
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that free-agent relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez hopes to continue pitching and hasnt announced his retirement yet. K-Rod likely would have to settle for a minor league contract should he wish to continue his career. The 35-year-old is coming off the worst year of his career where heposted a 7.82 ERA in 25 1/3 innings for the Tigers before being designated by assignment. He was picked up by the Nationals but never made an appearance before being released.
Veteran reliever and former Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez is being released by the Nationals today, according to Jesse Sanchez. Rodriguez had an opt-out date of July 12th, but his numbers in the minors left a lot to be desired. He posted a 1.80 over five innings, but walked three and only struck out two. With a 7.82 ERA over 28 appearances, the Tigers released the 35-year-old last month. This may be the end of the MLB line for K-Rod, who was once one of baseball's most feared closers.
Francisco Rodriguez signed with the Washington Nationals on Monday. They're looking to shore up their beleaguered bullpen, despite sitting comfortably atop the National League East division. K-Rod was just released by the Detroit Tigers, and could be the veteran presence the club needs to steady its inconsistent relief corp. While K-Rod pitched himself out of the closer role in Detroit, he presents little risk for little money. He's worth grabbing in most leagues if nothing else because the Nationals frequently lead late in the game.
The Detroit Tigers have cut ties with relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez after what has been an abysmal 2017 campaign. K-Rod is fourth on the all-time saves list with 437 and accumulated 44 saves for the Tigers last year, but lost his job as closer earlier this season after struggling mightily in April and May. He expressed frustration with the Tiger organization and manager Brad Ausmus last week, and has finally reached the end of his Tiger tenure. K-Rod has a 7.82 ERA on the year over 28 appearances this season with the Tigers and is not likely to be fantasy relevant this season, even if he catches on with another club.