Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
It took longer than expected but Milwaukee Brewers reliever Francisco Rodriguez finally became the 25th player in Major League Baseball history to record 300 career saves. There is no question it is a huge milestone that he should be very proud of accomplishing.
“Long time; finally, it’s here. I didn’t want to let it slip away,” Rodriguez said, according to Brewers.com. “This is a huge relief for me. I’ve been through a lot of adversity. My whole career I’ve been able to bounce back, and I continue to do it.”
Only two active players have more career saves: Mariano Rivera (634) and Joe Nathan (322). Considering K-Rod is only signed for this season with the Brewers, and Milwaukee does not exactly have a definite plan for the closer role, it is hard to say how many more the right-hander will be able to notch. With that being said, the way he has bounced back from a dismal season last year is quite impressive, especially since he was not on a big league roster to begin 2013.
“The Brewers gave me the opportunity once again, and I didn’t want to let them down,” Rodriguez told Brewers.com. “You have no idea how happy, excited I am right now. A lot of people thought that I was done or that I was, you know, weak, whatever, or that I retired. People forgot that I was still 31 years old. Last year was a really, really bad year. I know what I’m capable to do.”
Rodriguez has yet to blow a save in six opportunities this season, which is a trend the Brewers are hoping continues. At this rate, there is no doubt he will be pitching again next year, even if it is not in Milwaukee.
