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Red Sox Opening Day: Predicting Boston’s 2021 starting rotation

By Brendan Mizgala

FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox high fives Nathan Eovaldi #17 and Darwinzon Hernandez #63 during a team workout on February 20, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox high fives Nathan Eovaldi #17 and Darwinzon Hernandez #63 during a team workout on February 20, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez
FT. MYERS, FL – MARCH 5: Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the second inning of a Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 5, 2021 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Red Sox LHP: Eduardo Rodriguez

Without a shadow of a doubt, Eduardo Rodriguez will once again be the ace of this Red Sox staff. Now, I know what you’re probably saying. “Brendan, don’t you read the news?” Let me tell you, friends, I sure do. I’m aware of Eduardo’s current arm issues and that he’s no longer going to be the Opening Day starter. I also saw the report today that he’ll most likely be starting the season on the IL, but that doesn’t change my stance on Eddie Aces.

After missing the entire 2020 season he stormed back into spring training in great shape and with some of his best stuff. Through his last start, he posted a 3-0/2.63/13.2/0.951 line with a 15/2 K/BB ratio. However, his last start saw him getting dinged up pretty good and he’d exit the game early to head to the bullpen. He’s since played catch and thrown more from the mound but the team is being very careful with his return.

Considering the hell he went through with COVID and myocarditis this past year I’m not surprised that the Red Sox are taking their time with bringing him back. Bloom was optimistic that this would be a minor hurdle for the lefty but they were still going to make sure to not rush him back to the mound. For the second year in a row, Eduardo has seen his Opening Day start slip through his fingers but this time he’ll be able to still do his part in 2021.

When he does return, he’ll likely assume his spot in the rotation as the top dog and the leader of the staff. As for now though, it’s all about rest and relaxation to make sure he can make it through the regular season without seeing the IL again.

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