Francys Romero on MLB.com reports that right-hander Yariel Rodríguez will start the season at Triple-A Buffalo. Romero added that the right-hander is expected to make two to three starts at the minor league level. This is only for Rodríguez to build up his game before the Toronto Blue Jays look to add him to the 26-man roster. The 27-year-old signed a five-year deal with Toronto back in February. He entered the offseason as one of the most unusual free agents on the market.
Blue Jays Option Yariel Rodríguez
Rodríguez began his career as a starting pitcher in Cuba but converted to relief when he pitched in Japan. In 2022, his third year with the Chunichi Dragons of Japan’s NBP, he had a breakout season, tuning in a 1.15 ERA with a 27.5 percent strikeout rate in 56 appearances. Last year, Rodríguez represented Cuba in the World Baseball Classic which saw him return to a starting role. Instead of heading to the Dominican Republic, he decided to pursue an opportunity in MLB.
The Pitching Depth Around Rodríguez
When the Blue Jays decided to take a chance on him, they were intrigued by his youth and dominant 2022 season. He entered camp with the possibility of battling Alek Manoah for the fifth spot in the starting rotation behind Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Yusei Kikuchi and Chris Bassitt. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for Rodríguez, as back spasms delayed his spring. Manoah and Ricky Tiedemann were also delayed with injuries as the fifth spot will go to Bowden Francis. Manoah will begin the season on the injured list. Meanwhile, both Rodríguez and Tiedemann will be in Buffalo to ramp up for the season.
More must-reads: