Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez made his third rehab start on May 31st and put up solid numbers. He also showcased signs of improvement. Rodriguez pitched two innings, gave up two hits and two walks, and threw 43 pitches, and 25 were strikes. He also had two whiffs on six swings with his slider. His velocity also looked solid, averaged 94.4 mph with his pitch speed, and maxed at 96.4 mph. And a bonus is that he had a scoreless rehab outing.
Blue Jays Right-Hander Continues To Progress With Rehab Starts
Yariel Rodriguez’ Strong Start
On April 30th, The Blue Jays announced that right-hander Rodríguez was placed on the 15-day injured list with thoracic spine inflammation. Reliever Zach Pop was called up due to the injury. Rodriguez made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays this season on April 13, and the Blue Jays won that game. Rodriguez was pitching well before he got placed on the IL. On April 19th, he put out a strong outing for the Blue Jays, giving up just one earned run, seven strikeouts, three hits, and one walk, and throwing 83 pitches, 56 of which were strikes. He is pitching well in his rehab starts and showed an impressive third rehab start without giving up any runs. It makes Blue Jays fans content to see him progressively returning to his form. He will continue to excel with his remaining rehab assignments.
How He Got Here
Rodriguez was limited to a pitch count this season due to his return from not playing last season, so he only pitched four innings. Rodriguez became the first Cuban-born player to pitch a game for the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. This was following their commencement as an MLB franchise. Before this season, Rodriguez pitched for Team Cuba in the World Baseball Classic in 2023. He initiated a lot of attention in free agency before the Blue Jays signed him this year.
The Blue Jays signed Rodriguez to a 32 million, five-year contract. Bonuses in the contract permitted Rodriguez to earn up to $47.5 million as a starter and a bit less as a reliever at $37.5 million. This season, we have seen Rodriguez pitch as a starter and pitch well for the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays could use him, as they now have Alek Manoah going through an elbow injury and who has sought a second opinion about it. The 2024 MLB season has certainly presented itself with a record number of injuries. But as the season progresses, more players will return from the IL. This is undoubtedly motivating and exciting. The Blue Jays see good signs of Rodriguez being put in with his rehab assignments as he continues returning to the majors.
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