Richard Rodríguez Fantasy Stats

The Miami Marlins agreed with free-agent right-hander Richard Rodriguez on a minor-league deal on Tuesday that includes a non-roster invite to major-league spring training. Rodriguez is trying to make an MLB comeback after serving an 80-game suspension in 2022 for performance-enhancing drugs. The 32-year-old Dominican had a nice 2.94 ERA (4.04 FIP), 0.93 WHIP, career-high 14 saves, 10 walks and 42 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings over 64 relief appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves in 2021. All 14 of his saves came with the Pirates. At Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the New York Yankees organization last year, Rodriguez had a 3.86 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings. He can be ignored for fantasy purposes for now.

The MLB has suspended three current free agents for PED violations. Relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez, outfielder Danny Santana and infielder Jose Rondon will all be serving 80-game suspensions after they land with a club. Rodriguez is the most notable name of the trio. The 32-year-old was the Pittsburgh Pirates' primary closer in 2021 before a trade sent him to the Atlanta Braves. He had a solid 2021 campaign overall, pitching to a 2.94 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. Santana, meanwhile, played in 38 games for the Boston Red Sox last year and struggled to the tune of a .181/.252/.345 slash line and Rondon appeared in 63 games with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, hitting .263/.322/.413.

The Atlanta Braves have opted not to tender contracts to three players, including relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez and utilityman Johan Camargo. Jasseel De La Cruz will also be looking to link up with a new team. Rodriguez is the most notable name of the bunch, as he pitched to a 2.94 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 14 saves for the Pirates and Braves in 2021. Acquired via trade on June 30, he was expected to fortify the Atlanta pen, but he was left off the postseason roster, and now is back on the open market. Camargo has been with Atlanta for five seasons, posting a career .738 OPS with 34 home runs while playing all over the diamond.

Atlanta Braves reliever Richard Rodriguez was left off the team's 26-man roster for the National League Division Series. Rodriguez, who was acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 30, pitched to a 2.94 ERA, a 4.04 FIP, 42 strikeouts, and 26 walks in 64.1 innings this season. He also registered 14 saves but struggled down the stretch. In his last 9.1 innings, the 31-year-old allowed 13 hits, seven earned runs, five home runs, and a walk. Rodriguez only struck out three batters during that span. Tyler Matzek, A.J. Minter, and Luke Jackson should continue to serve as setup options ahead of closer Will Smith for the series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez has been traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitchers Ricky DeVito and Bryse Wilson, the team announced on Twitter. Over five starts at High-A this year, DeVito is 0-3 with a 2.66 ERA, 1.279 WHIP and 29.7 percent strikeout rate across 20 1/3 innings of work. Wilson has made seven starts with Atlanta this year, going 2-3 with a 4.83 ERA, 1.547 WHIP and 15.1 percent strikeout rate. The bigger part of this deal is Rodriguez, who loses what little value he had as Pittsburgh's closer. But he should be a solid add in SV/HLD formats, as he's 4-2 with a 2.82 ERA, 0.835 WHIP and 22.8 percent strikeout rate in 38 1/3 innings of work. In Pittsburgh's bullpen, David Bednar should be grabbed off the waiver wire in deeper formats, as he figures to be next in line for the closer's role for the Pirates.

The Philadelphia Phillies are a possibility to land Pittsburgh Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez after they've had trouble getting traction on Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel at last check. The Pirates are interested in Philadelphia's young catcher Rafael Marchan. The Toronto Blue Jays are also involved with Rodriguez as they look to fortify their bullpen. Rodriguez has been great for Pittsburgh in 2021, posting a 2.82 ERA and 14 saves in 37 relief outings for the rebuilding Pirates. He's also under team control through the 2023 season. Philly's bullpen has had its share of troubles this year, so there's a good possibility that Rodriguez would remain in play for saves for his fantasy managers, although Ranger Suarez has stepped up for the Phillies of late.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez is drawing trade interest from the Oakland Athletics ahead of Friday's trade deadline, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Morosi reports that the Athletics are prioritizing a bullpen upgrade before the deadline, and Rodriguez would certainly fit the bill as he is 4-2 with 14 saves, a 2.82 ERA, 0.835 WHIP and 22.8 percent strikeout rate over 38 1/3 innings. If he does go to Oakland, he could end up in a timeshare with Lou Trivino for the closer role, if not outright take the job from Trivino. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, David Bednar would likely be the next in line for save opportunities, although there probably won't be many of those coming for the Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez was able to grab his 11th save of the season on Sunday. Rodriguez has blown two saves in 2021 and just seven in his five-year career. The 31-year-old has been a subject of trade rumors recently, with Toronto being the front runner in showing interest. Rodriguez is rostered in most Yahoo leagues, but if a fantasy gamer could pick him up via trade, he would be a great addition to any lineup.

The Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams looking at Pittsburgh Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez with the July trade deadline approaching. Toronto recently traded for reliever Adam Cimber, who should see high-leverage situations immediately, but they're looking for more bullpen help. Rafael Dolis, Ryan Borucki, Julian Merryweather, David Phelps and Kirby Yates are all currently on the injured list. Jordan Romano is the team's current ninth-inning arm, but Rodriguez could also enter the mix in high-leverage situations if the Blue Jays acquire him. The 31-year-old right-hander has been excellent on a bad Pirates team, securing 10 saves along with a 1.78 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings. Kyle Crick would likely be the favorite for the ninth-inning role in Pittsburgh if Rodriguez is traded.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez earned his fifth save of the season on Tuesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning to close out a 2-1 win over the Padres. Rodriguez has looked great on the mound to open the year, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out 10 in 12 1/3 innings of work. His Statcast numbers show that his success has been legitimate this season, as his .116 xBA, .160 xwOBA and 0.99 xERA all rank in the 100th percentile in the majors. Managers should grab him if he's still available in their league, but be prepared as he will likely be on the move at the trade deadline and may not end up in the closer role for the team he ends up with.