MESA, Ariz. – When A’s manager Bob Melvin discusses his bullpen, no topic gets him more enthusiastic than the development of Fernando Rodriguez.
Since coming to the A’s in a February 2013 trade from Houston, then dealing with Tommy John surgery, Rodriguez has gradually taken on a bigger role for Oakland’s relief corps.
Although this season’s late-inning roles already appear filled by other veterans, Rodriguez will serve an important role in Melvin’s seven-man bullpen as a do-it-all type. His most important asset might be his ability to pitch effectively for multiple innings in an outing.
“He’s a guy that’s come a long way since we first got him here,” Melvin said.