Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: GM noncommittal on 2025 role
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.
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Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Sent down to minors
Rotowire
The Blue Jays optioned Rodriguez to their Florida Complex League affiliate Sunday.
Rodriguez had started Saturday's game, so the Blue Jays used his roster spot for some bullpen protection in Sunday's finale. The right-hander will be in the mix for a rotation spot in 2025 after posting a 4.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 85:40 K:BB across 86.2 innings in his first year with Toronto.
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Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Strikes out five in loss
Rotowire
Rodriguez (1-8) took the loss against the Marlins on Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks with five strikeouts over five innings.
Rodriguez allowed two runs in the first inning and was charged with another after departing with no outs in the sixth. The 27-year-old rookie yielded three earned runs or fewer in each of his five September outings but also failed to complete more than five frames in any of them. He'll finish the year with a 4.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 85:40 K:BB across 86.2 innings.
Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Allows three runs in loss
Rotowire
Rodriguez (1-7) took the loss against the Rays on Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts over four innings.
Rodriguez generated an impressive 12 swinging strikes on 81 pitches but was mostly burned by a two-run homer in the third inning. He has yielded only five earned runs through four September outings, but he has also completed five frames just once in that span. The 27-year-old will carry a 4.41 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 80:38 K:BB across 81.2 innings into his final matchup of the season against the Marlins next week.
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.
Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Fans six in five strong innings
Rotowire
Rodriguez did not factor into the decision in Sunday's loss to Atlanta, allowing one earned run on two hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings.
The only blemish on Rodriguez's line was a solo home run by Jarred Kelenic in the second inning. Outside of that mishap, Rodriguez was superb, cruising through five innings on just 73 pitches while racking up six strikeouts. The 27-year-old rookie has had an up-and-down season, logging a 4.42 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 75:34 K:BB in 73.1 innings. Rodriguez will look to keep rolling in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend against the Cardinals.
Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez: Only lasts three innings
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.
