Wochit
Francisco Rodriguez wants to pitch in the late innings.
He said as much two days ago, when he expressed his ire at being eased back into high-leverage roles with a heavy dose of low-leverage roles, leaving the veteran reliever with a 6.35 ERA wondering about the kind of communication — or lack thereof — he has had recently with manager Brad Ausmus and pitching coach Rich Dubee.
Rodriguez got what he wanted Thursday night at Comerica Park. The result was perhaps predictable: The right-hander blew a late lead on a monster home run, serving up a solo shot to Rays outfielder Steven Souza Jr.