Career Timeline of Eduardo Rodríguez (left-handed pitcher): Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Eduardo Rodríguez (left-handed pitcher), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Eduardo Rodríguez, nicknamed "E-Rod", is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB. He previously played for the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. Rodríguez is a left-handed pitcher.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1912: Started career with 3 starts of at least six innings with one or zero earned runs allowed and at least seven strikeouts

Eduardo Rodriguez became first pitcher since the advent of ERA as an official statistic in 1912 to have begun his major league career with three starts of at least six innings with one or zero earned runs allowed and at least seven strikeouts.

January 2010: Signed with Baltimore Orioles

In January 2010, Eduardo Rodríguez signed with the Baltimore Orioles as an international free agent, receiving a $175,000 signing bonus.

2010: Signed with the Baltimore Orioles

In 2010, Eduardo Rodríguez signed as an international free agent with the Baltimore Orioles' organization.

2011: Played for Gulf Coast Orioles

In 2011, Eduardo Rodríguez played for the Gulf Coast Orioles of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, posting a 1.81 ERA. He also made one start for the Aberdeen IronBirds of the Low–A New York–Penn League in 2011.

2012: Assigned to Delmarva Shorebirds

In 2012, the Orioles assigned Eduardo Rodríguez to the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Single–A South Atlantic League, where he had a 5–7 record with a 3.70 ERA.

2013: Spring Training and Promotions

In 2013, Eduardo Rodríguez was invited to spring training, named Orioles' fifth-best prospect, started with Frederick Keys (2.85 ERA), appeared in the Carolina-California League All-Star Game, and was promoted to Double-A Bowie Baysox in June. He represented the Orioles at the All-Star Futures Game in July.

July 31, 2014: Traded to Boston Red Sox

On July 31, 2014, Eduardo Rodríguez was traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Andrew Miller.

2014: Added to Red Sox 40-man Roster

After the 2014 season, the Red Sox added Eduardo Rodriguez to their 40-man roster to protect him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft.

2014: Traded to the Red Sox

During the 2014 season, Eduardo Rodríguez was traded to the Boston Red Sox.

2014: Ranked as Top Prospect and Knee Injury

In 2014, Eduardo Rodríguez was ranked as one of the top prospects in baseball and was invited to spring training. He started the season with Bowie but missed five weeks due to a sprained knee, resulting in a 3–7 record and a 4.79 ERA through July.

May 2015: MLB Debut

In May 2015, Eduardo Rodríguez made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

May 28, 2015: MLB Debut Victory

On May 28, 2015, Eduardo Rodríguez won his MLB debut, pitching 7+2⁄3 shutout innings in the Boston Red Sox's 5–1 victory against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park. He allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out seven.

2015: Season with Pawtucket

Eduardo Rodriguez opened the 2015 season with Pawtucket, achieving a 4–3 record with a 2.98 ERA in eight starts.

2015: 2015 Season with Red Sox

In 2015, Eduardo Rodríguez appeared in 21 games (all starts) for the Red Sox, compiling a 10–6 record with a 3.85 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 37 walks in 121+2⁄3 innings pitched.

2016: 2016 Season with Red Sox

During the 2016 season, Eduardo Rodríguez appeared in 20 games (all starts) for the Red Sox, achieving a 3–7 record with a 4.71 ERA, 100 strikeouts, and 40 walks in 107 innings pitched.

2017: 2017 Regular Season

During the 2017 Red Sox regular season, Eduardo Rodríguez appeared in 25 games (24 starts), compiling a 6–7 record with 4.19 ERA, while striking out 150 and walking 50 in 137+1⁄3 innings pitched.

2017: First Postseason Series

In 2017, The American League Division Series was the first MLB postseason series for Eduardo Rodríguez. He made a relief appearance in Game 2, faced two batters, gave up a single and hit a batter—both runners later scored.

2018: 2018 Season and World Series

In 2018, Eduardo Rodríguez began the season in the starting rotation for the Boston Red Sox. He was later placed on the disabled list due to a right ankle sprain. He started Game 4 of the World Series, receiving a no decision, as the Red Sox won the series.

2018: World Series Champion

In 2018, Eduardo Rodríguez was a member of the World Series champions with the Boston Red Sox.

2019: 2019 Season Performance

In 2019, Eduardo Rodríguez returned as a starter for the Red Sox, making 34 appearances. He had a record of 19–6 with a 3.81 ERA and 213 strikeouts. He finished sixth in the 2019 Cy Young Award voting for the American League.

September 2020: Joined by Dean Kremer in Rookie Achievement

In September 2020, Eduardo Rodriguez was joined by Dean Kremer as the only two rookies to—in their first three starts—throw at least five innings, with one or no runs, four or fewer hits, and at least six strikeouts in all three starts.

December 1, 2020: Reached One-Year Deal with Red Sox

On December 1, 2020, Eduardo Rodríguez and the Red Sox reached a one-year deal for the 2021 season, reportedly worth $8.3 million.

April 8, 2021: First Start in Over a Year

On April 8, 2021, Eduardo Rodríguez made his first start in over a year, registering a win against Baltimore.

November 15, 2021: Signed with Detroit Tigers

On November 15, 2021, Eduardo Rodríguez signed a five-year, $77 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. The deal included an opt-out clause after the 2023 season.

2022: Signed with the Detroit Tigers

Before the 2022 season, Eduardo Rodríguez signed with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent.

2022: 2022 Season with the Tigers

In 2022, Eduardo Rodríguez was named the Opening Day starter for the Detroit Tigers. He later suffered a left ribcage sprain and was placed on the injured list. He was then placed on the restricted list due to personal matters.

December 8, 2023: Signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks

On December 8, 2023, Eduardo Rodríguez signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2023: 2023 Season with Tigers

During the 2023 season, Eduardo Rodríguez had a strong start before a finger injury sidelined him in June. He finished with a 13-9 record and a 3.30 ERA. A trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers was blocked by Rodríguez, and he opted-out of his contract on November 4.