Things were looking up for Eduardo Rodriguez after May. He posted a 3.90 ERA for the month after recording a 5.47 ERA in April. His walk rate was down, he allowed fewer hits per nine, and once again looked like his talent was finally showing up on the mound.
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Then June rolled in and, as he always seems to, E-Rod took a step back. He pitched 37 innings last month and allowed 18 runs – all earned. The difference? Home runs and walks. In May, Rodriguez allowed just three homers and then gave up eight in June. In May, Rodriguez walked eight batters and then walked 11 in June. Put simply, he had a harder time finding the strike zone and when he did find it, he was tossing meatballs.
Rodriguez has always had more than enough talent, but he’s never been able to display it on the field with any reliability. Word out of Spring Training this year was that E-Rod was dazzling; the other members of the pitching staff watched his sessions with awe and proclaimed that this was his year. Once the regular season started, however, he delivered the same results he’s always delivered. At this point, it’s safe to assume E-Rod will never live up to his potential. Luckily, he can often do just enough most nights to allow the Sox to win.