Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday "there's a chance" Rodiguez (elbow) plays in minor-league games later this season, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
The 24-year-old won't see the field for the Pirates this season as he makes his way back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in December, but seeing action in minor-league games would be an encouraging development heading into 2025. Rodriguez will be eased back in behind the plate and will instead see his initial work at first base and designated hitter in order to help him get more at-bats. He was spotted taking grounders in the infield prior to Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, per Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com.