Red Sox fans could get used to this version of Eduardo Rodriguez.
The left-hander was sensational in Monday night's 9-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing only two hits and not giving up a run in seven innings of work. Manager Alex Cora has been especially critical of Rodriguez in the past for his inconsistencies, but he came away thrilled with what he saw in Tampa Bay.
“We know how good he can be. I think you get to a point in your career where you realize your stuff is good, really good, and you don’t have to be David [Price] or Chris [Sale] or Rick [Porcello],” Cora told reporters. “You learn from them but at the end, your stuff is that good. He’s learning every outing. … Little by little he’s becoming the guy we envisioned. He’s a strong guy. I don’t think we have to put a limit with him. … He worked hard in the offseason, body-wise and you can see it. He’s doing an outstanding job.”
Rodriguez has been impressive over his last five starts, lowering his ERA from 4.87 to 4.10 in that span. With the latest win, his record on the season improves to 12-4.
Although efficiency is still an area that needs improvement (he had four walks on Monday night), it's encouraging to see E-Rod making strides for a struggling rotation that needs all the help it can get down the stretch.
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