Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez was notified this Tuesday that he will begin the season at the Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons of the International League, leaving him off the Opening Day roster for the Bluejays.
The decision is a logical one by the team, especially after discomfort in his back limiting him to two starts this spring. In the minors he will have the opportunity to fine tune some things, get in game shape and eventually reach the majors after two or three starts on the farm.
The native of Camagüey, Cuba will receive a signing bonus of eight million and a will have a base salary of two million in 2024. His signing bonus will be divided evenly over the length of his contract. In 2024, in addition to his fixed salary, he will earn 1.6 million in bonuses leaving his total earnings at 3.6 million during his first year in professional baseball.
Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (27) was sent to Triple-A, Buffalo, and won’t be on the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster.
Most logical decision taking care of his health and giving him the chance to properly build up.
He is expected to get 2-3 starts at Triple-A. pic.twitter.com/bsfHCOssw3
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 26, 2024
After two starts and five innings of work this spring, he has struck out three opponents, allowed only two hits and also walked three. Opponents hit .188 against the right-hander and he allowed one run to boast a shiny 1.80 earned run average.
During the World Baseball Classic, Rodríguez tossed 7⅓ innings allowing two earned runs and striking out 10 batters. Although he did not factor in any decision he posted a 2.45 earned run average, but did walk an alarming six batters during his two starts in the tournament.
In 54.2 innings of work during 2022 in the NPB, Rodriguez gave up only seven earned runs. The right-hander had a 1.15 earned run average and fanned 60, while only walking 18. During that campaign he did not allow a long ball and was named the reliever of the year in the land of the rising sun. The righty also tallied 39 holds and notched six victories during that campaign.