Rodriguez threw 100 pitches in his fourth rehabilitation start Saturday for Triple-A Pawtucket, Sox Prospects reports. He allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits while striking out three in 5.2 innings.
Rodriguez's overall command was good -- 71 of his 100 pitches were strikes -- and reaching 100 pitches is a milestone. However, the left-hander's fastball velocity remained off, according to Ian Cundall of Sox Prospects, sitting in the 90-92 mph range. Other than the velocity, Rodriguez has done all he needs to be activated. We'll wait on word from manager John Farrell in the coming days. One thing to keep in mind is that Boston has a couple of off days in the next week and can get by with four starters. It's quite possible Farrell can kick a decision down the road a bit and give Rodriguez another rehab start.