Tim Heitman-US Presswire
Raise your hand, if anyone saw this performance coming. The Boston Red Sox called up Eduardo Rodriguez who was pitching very well in Pawtucket. This was supposed to be a spot start and as soon as this start was over, he was going to be sent back down. Well, Rodriguez faced a very hot Texas Rangers lineup and had one of the best pitching performances for the Red Sox this season.
Rodriguez pitched a little over seven innings, gave up three hits, no runs and struck out seven. He looked very composed and confident and sure didn’t look like a pitcher starting his first ever major league game. Boston has been looking for a spark all season long and Rodriguez absolutely gave it to them tonight. It is the best Boston has looked over the last three days.
So what happens now? There is no way they can send Rodriguez down after how he pitched. He certainly deserves at least a second look. As inconsistent as Joe Kelly and Justin Masterson have been, Rodriguez has already shown that he can handle himself against a great lineup and perhaps getting Rodriguez in the rotation on a regular basis could really help Boston be more consistent. There has been a lot of talk about him over the last year; he showed tonight that he was as advertised.
If a team trades someone like Andrew Miller, they must get someone of high quality in return. The Baltimore Orioles must be beside themselves right now, losing Miller and Rodriguez. This trade could look better and better.
Carter Roane is a Boston Red Sox writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
