Player News

• Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Could be needed in rotation

  3D ago • By RotoWire

  Rodriguez could begin the season in the rotation if Max Scherzer (thumb) isn't ready to make his first start, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. The Blue Jays will need a fifth starter March 31, giving Scherzer little time to recover and get fully stretched out. Rodriguez has worked 9.2 innings in Grapefruit League action this spring, striking out 11 batters but also walking seven and serving up four homers. If Toronto decides he's better suited for a long-relief role, or Scherzer's thumb issue is deemed to be minor and he's only expected to miss one or two turns through the rotation, Jake Bloss or Eric Lauer might be called upon instead.

  SEE FULL ARTICLE

• Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Could be slated for bullpen

  01/31/2025 • By RotoWire

  Rodriguez might open the season in the Blue Jays' bullpen following the addition of Max Scherzer, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports. Rodriguez will likely stay stretched out during spring training, but he looks to be sixth on the rotation depth chart for Toronto. The Blue Jays do have a stretch 13 games in 13 days from April 4-16, presenting an opportunity for Rodriguez to get a spot start or two if the club wants to use him in a swingman role. Rodriguez made 21 starts for Toronto in 2024, posting a 4.47 ERA and 85:40 K:BB over 86.2 innings.

  SEE FULL ARTICLE

• Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: GM noncommittal on 2025 role

  10/02/2024 • By RotoWire

  Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins on Wednesday was noncommittal on Rodriguez's role for next season, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. Atkins referred to Rodriguez as a "solid option" for the 2025 rotation and said he's happy with where the pitcher's workload is at as a starter after he threw 107 innings in 2024. However, the GM also noted that, if the club acquires outside help for its rotation, Rodriguez "would be an exceptional reliever." All 21 of Rodriguez's appearances for the Blue Jays this season were as a starter and he should be penciled into next year's rotation, but it doesn't seem to be set in stone.

  SEE FULL ARTICLE

• Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Tosses 4.1 innings

  09/16/2024 • By RotoWire

  Rodriguez allowed a run on three hits and one walk over 4.1 innings in a no-decision Sunday. He struck out two during the win over St. Louis. Rodriguez worked through four shutout frames before the Cardinals tallied a run in the fifth inning. He's thrown fewer than six innings in 11 consecutive appearances, registering a 4.75 ERA while going 0-3 over 47.1 frames during that span. Rodriguez owns a 4.29 ERA with a 77:35 K:BB through 77.2 innings on the year. His next start is lined up to be in Tampa Bay.

  SEE FULL ARTICLE

• Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Only lasts three innings

  09/02/2024 • By RotoWire

  Rodriguez took a no-decision Sunday against the Twins after he allowed three hits and two walks while striking out three over three scoreless innings. Rodriguez had his shortest outing since he went just two-thirds of an inning July 29. The 27-year-old threw 57 pitches across three innings and only faced any real danger in the first inning when he had the bases loaded. Though it was an abbreviated start, it was the first time in four outings Rodriguez didn't surrender a home run, but he has issued at least one walk every time he's stepped on the mound. For the year, he owns a 4.61 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 69:33 K:BB in 68.1 innings. He lines up for a road matchup against Atlanta his next time out.

  SEE FULL ARTICLE