Osiel Rodríguez is a pitching prospect in the New York Yankees organization who is on the path to achieving his dream of reaching the Major Leagues one day. This year he advanced from Rookie ball to Class A and continues to mature as an upcoming talent for the Bronx Bombers.
The 6’2″ and 210-pound right-hander from Ciego de Ávila left Cuba in 2017 and in 2018, he agreed to terms on a contract with the Yankees. In the present day and the at the age of 21 he has begun his ascent through the Yankees farm system.
At the moment the hurler has had three outings at Class A (Tampa) and has yet to allow in earned run. In those 4.1 innings of him he has retired seven batters via the strikeout. In 2023 he has seen action in 14 games in the Minor Leagues with a total of 21.0 innings worked. The righty has posted an ERA of 1.29 and his 0.50 WHIP is astonishing.
Beautiful strike 3 out pitch by Osiel Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/egiJFqFrwX
— John Brophy (@jbrophybaseball) June 19, 2023
Osiel, you have had to battle various injuries, had Covid in the middle and this has cost you to miss parts of several seasons. But how does Osiel Rodríguez feel in this 2023?
First of all thank you. I feel very good, Thank God. We worked quite hard in the offseason to be ready this year, which is the most important thing. All that hard work this offseason has paid dividends on the field.
You have seen action in your career as a starter and reliever, how do you prepare for ample functions?
I am ready to be used in any function necessary to help the team . This season I have been a reliever all season, last year I was a middle reliever, but I can also be a starter if necessary.
You are a pitcher that was known for your the velocity of your fastball before you signed, but you have developed your other pitches over the years. What has changed that caused you use more of your other pitches as opposed to your fastball?
Since I injured my shoulder, I have tried to recover my velocity bit by bit, but it has not been the same as when I was in the Dominican Republic. I have turned to using some different pitches such as the changeup and my slider, which are pitches that have helped me expand my repertoire. Velocity is essential; but it is something that I know use to surprise hitters.
Who is Osiel Rodríguez’s favorite pitcher ?
Ahh… I want to be like Aroldis Chapman. That’s my all-time favorite pitcher, I’ve always said it in various interviews, I like his way of being, his discipline, and his work ethic. I want to be like him or better.
Do you have any goals for 2023?
My goal is to be healthy, the most important thing, and for God to do all of his will for me.