Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez begins his journey back to the rotation

Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez has clean bill of health after COVID bout

The Boston Red Sox got some great news this past week as one of their strongest starters, Eduardo Rodriguez, made it known on MLB Network that he’s been cleared to begin his workout regimen for 2021 and would be 100%. As we all know, E-Rod tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the 2020 season and was hit hard with symptoms, making him unable to prepare for the year.

He would then develop Myocarditis, which is becoming known as one of the side effects of the virus. After months of rest, recovery, and rehab the southpaw is finally healthy and can begin his journey back to Fenway Park. As I said, this is great news for the Red Sox as their pitching staff was one of the worst in 2020 and was a major reason why they finished 24-36 on the year.

Obviously losing Eduardo wasn’t the only reason the Boston pitching staff suffered. Having Chris Sale hit the IL thanks to Tommy John and David Price being shipped off to Los Angeles didn’t help. Hell, even having Rick Porcello head to the Mets via free agency was a kick to the shin. But we can all put that nightmare of a season behind us and turn our sights towards the horizon that is 2021.

"“My workouts are going to start next week, like lifting weights and all that,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been doing bike, throwing it a little bit. So I’ll be 100% ready for next season.”"

Hearing the news that Eddie is getting himself ready to do work next season instantly puts a smile on my face. I’m sure some of you still feel that he’s a back of rotation starter and not someone that can be talked about in that one-two punch conversation, and that’s fair. Up until 2018, his numbers have been incredibly mediocre and he never lived up to his potential. But a 13-5/129.2/45/146/1.265 line in 2018 and 19-6/203.1/75/213/1.328 in 2019 say that he’s fixed that.

Now I won’t lie and only highlight the good. Yeah, leading the entire league in starts in 2019 with 34 was cool, but he also led the AL in walks with 75, not as cool. There’s also a new component to the equation and that is the return of Alex Cora to the Red Sox. E-Rod’s two best seasons came under Cora’s watchful eye and now that his favorite skipper is back, we could see another lights-out year from him in 2021.

Like many, his COVID symptoms would eventually subside but the myocarditis threw a massive wrench into his plans. Unfortunately, the only cure, if that’s even the right word, for the condition is rest and recovery.

Now that the doctors have given him the green light he can get back to getting his strength and endurance to where it needs to be to compete next year. Having Rodriguez back in the rotation, even in a limited capacity, will be a massive boost to the pitching staff.

"“I asked them (doctors), ‘Hey, is this something I’m gonna have the rest of my life, going to ruin my career?'” Rodriguez recalled. “They just said I’ve got to take some time off and let that heal.”"

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When you’re trotting out guys like Mike Kickham, Matt Hall, and Kyle Hart, you know things are pretty rough. Luckily for the Red Sox, top prospect Tanner Houck turned out to be a godsend and so did the recently acquired Nick Pivetta. With Boston declining the option for Martin Perez, and no inkling if they’ll try to re-sign him to a lesser deal in free agency, they need Eddie back in a bad way.

Considering the circumstances, the Red Sox ownership group will let 2020 slide and not harp too heavily on the results. But they won’t let the team slide that much for what will be a third consecutive year if they miss the target again in 2021.

So having Rodriguez as confident as he is that he’ll be ready to rock and roll come the spring, I think that’s a good sign for things to come. Plus, we’ve heard numerous reports that Chaim Bloom and his team are focused heavily on pitching and will more than likely spend most of their newly freed-up cash in that department.

With Eduardo Rodriguez on the path to recovery and a return to full force next season, the Red Sox may have a glimmer of hope. The pitching staff still needs an overhaul and plenty of attention but having one of their aces back in the fold is a step in the right direction. Pair that with the news that Sale is targeting a mid-summer return and Boston could be fierce in the second half. For E-Rod, I’m thrilled to hear the positive news and that he’s back to full health, not just for baseball reasons, but for his life.