Yariel Rodriguez's Role Uncertain Heading Into Offseason
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins didn't exactly to commit to a firm role for Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez heading into the offseason. Atkins called Rodriguez a "solid option" for the Blue Jays in the starting rotation and is happy with where his workload is at as a starter. However, Atkins also said, "If we were to acquire one, I think he would be an exceptional reliever." It sounds as though the Blue Jays will continue to be flexible with the 27-year-old's role heading into next year. Toronto was careful with Rodriguez's workload in 2024 in his first year in the big leagues after not pitching in affiliated ball at all in 2023. All 21 of Rodriguez's appearances in his rookie year for the Blue Jays came in a starting role, and he finished with a 4.47 ERA (4.34 FIP), a 1.31 WHIP and an 85:40 K:BB in 86 2/3 total innings. Rodriguez will be much more attractive in fantasy leagues in 2025 if he's starting again.
The Toronto Blue Jays optioned rookie right-hander Yariel Rodriguez to Triple-A Buffalo after his rough start in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Monday against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles. In the 11-5 loss to their division rivals, Rodriguez only made it through two-thirds of the first inning, giving up four runs (three earned) on one hit while walking four and striking out one for his fourth loss of the season. The nightmarish outing brought the 27-year-old Cuban's season ERA to 4.31 on the year. Rodriguez's previous four starts for Toronto were solid, though, so it's a bit of a surprise to see him sent down. However, it will also give the team an opportunity to limit his workload after not pitching much the past few years. Rodriguez has thrown 39 2/3 innings over his 10 starts in his first year in the big leagues and should be back with the Jays before the end of the season.
Yariel Rodriguez Earns First Win Saturday Afternoon
Toronto Blue Jays rookie righthander Yariel Rodriguez earned his first career victory on Saturday afternoon in a 5-4 win over the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez spun six innings, striking out six batters and surrendering no runs on one hit and two walks. The 27-year-old has two consecutive quality starts in July, going more than six innings in both games and giving up only one total run. On the season, he is 1-3 with a 3.68 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts in 29 innings. He should continue to hold a spot in the Toronto rotation for the foreseeable future.
Yariel Rodriguez To Start On Wednesday Against Boston
The Toronto Blue Jays will start rookie pitcher Yariel Rodriguez against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. Rodriguez has made five starts and is (0-2) with a 5.94 ERA and a staggering 1.92 WHIP over 16 2/3 innings, striking out 17 and walking 11. He lasted only 1 1/3 innings against the Guardians on June 21, allowing five runs (four earned) on two hits. Rodriguez has yet to go beyond four innings in any of his starts, so fantasy managers with Red Sox on their rosters should find a place for them and let them feast on the struggling hurler. Rodriquez has shown flashes of potential, but not enough for fantasy managers to keep him on their roster outside deep-league formats.
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Yariel Rodriguez struggled in his start in a 7-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Friday. Rodriguez allowed five runs (four earned) on two hits and three walks in just 1 1/3 innings of work in the loss. In what has been an ongoing issue this season, Rodriguez struggled with his control, throwing just 32 of 52 pitches for strikes before departing early. Rodriguez now has a 0-2 record, 5.94 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts across five starts for Toronto this season. Rodriguez has some strikeout upside in his arm but he will have to cut down on the walks (11 over 16 2/3 innings of work) to be trustworthy in fantasy.
Yariel Rodriguez Reinstated And Starting On Friday
The Toronto Blue Jays reinstated rookie right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (back) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned right-hander Ryan Burr to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Rodriguez will jump right into Toronto's rotation and make the start on Friday versus the Guardians in Cleveland. The 27-year-old will be a pretty risky fantasy streamer in his first game since going on the injured list in late April with thoracic spine inflammation. Rodriguez threw 79 pitches in his final minor-league rehab appearance, but the Blue Jays will most likely continue to be careful with his workload in his first major-league season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him go only several innings before Bowden Francis comes in as the bulk reliever. The Guardians rank 11th in baseball in team OPS at .724.
Yariel Rodriguez To Pitch In Relief In Rehab Game Wednesday
Toronto Blue Jays rookie right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (back) is scheduled to make his next minor-league rehab appearance for Triple-A Buffalo out of the bullpen as a reliever on Wednesday. The Blue Jays want to keep Rodriguez stretched out and wanted him to come out of the bullpen at least once on his rehab assignment. During his outing on Wednesday, he's slated for around 55 pitches or three to four up-and-downs. The 27-year-old Cuban hurler has already made three rehab starts, so if all goes well on Wednesday, he could come off the 15-day injured list and return to the major-league roster soon. With Alek Manoah (elbow) out for the foreseeable future, Rodriguez and Bowden Francis (forearm) are Toronto's best options to fill the vacant rotation spot. Given Rodriguez's limited workload over recent seasons, Toronto will continue to limit his innings the rest of the way.
Toronto Blue Jays rookie right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (back) made his second minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo back on Sunday and tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings with one strikeout and two walks while allowing two hits. The 27-year-old Cuban threw only 16 pitches in the outing and is scheduled to start again for the Bisons on Friday in an outing in which he's expected to be stretched out a bit more. Before the Blue Jays reinstate him from the 15-day injured list, he's likely to require at least one more rehab start. Rodriguez is recovering from thoracic spine inflammation and won't be rushed back, especially with how few innings he's pitched in recent seasons. When Rodriguez does return to Toronto, he could once again work as a tandem starter with Bowden Francis (forearm), who is also working his way back from the injured list.
Toronto Blue Jays rookie right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (back) is playing catch up to 90 feet as he rehabs from thoracic spine inflammation that caused him to land on the 15-day injured list on April 30. Rodriguez will continue to ramp up his arm as he recovers from his back injury, but he almost certainly won't be coming off the injured list when he's eligible on May 14. The 27-year-old Cuban made his first four big-league starts with Toronto before getting hurt, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on 19 hits (two home runs) while walking eight and striking out 16 for a 4.11 ERA (4.53 FIP) and 1.76 WHIP. Rodriguez is much more intriguing in the long term in fantasy than in 2024 as the Blue Jays look to ease him into a starter's workload. Expect them to play it safe with Rodriguez when he returns from his back injury.
Blue Jays Place Yariel Rodriguez On 15-Day Injured List
The Toronto Blue Jays placed right-handed rookie Yariel Rodriguez (spine) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with thoracic-spine inflammation and recalled right-hander Zach Pop from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Rodriguez began experiencing soreness in his back during his outing on Monday night against the Kansas City Royals in which he allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out one in 3 2/3 innings. Given the nature of the injury, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if the 27-year-old Cuban hurler misses more than the 15 days on the IL. Rodriguez hasn't been bad in his first four MLB starts, but he also hasn't gone past four innings pitched in any of his outings while sporting a 4.11 ERA and 1.76 WHIP with 16 K's in 15 1/3 frames. It's unclear who will take Rodriguez's spot in Toronto's rotation for at least the next two weeks.
Yariel Rodríguez
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Blue Jays
