Just how important is Eduardo Rodriguez? The talented 25-year-old left-hander may finally have resolved a balky knee situation that has lingered for the last two seasons. In 2017 E-Rod appeared to be on the cusp of an outstanding season and arguably was the second-best hurler on the staff by the end of May (4-1, 2.83). Then his annual visit to the disabled list until mid-July.
The remainder of the season would have the occasional moment of pitching brilliance, but the numbers slowly deteriorated to a 6-7 record and 4.19 ERA. For the season – 25 games – Rodriguez posted a 9.