Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodríguez showed us the best version of himself on the field this Saturday and the Toronto Blue Jays are beginning to see the results of the money they invested in this key free agent signing during the offseason. The hurler is coming into his own and finally becoming a key piece of the team’s pitching corps.
This Saturday the Blue Jays pitcher made another quality start during team’s 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in his best performance as a big leaguer. During the game, Rodríguez shut out the Mariners for six innings, allowing just one hit and striking out six, to earn his first win on the grand stage.
“It means a lot to me. “I have made many sacrifices to be here in the major leagues,” Rodríguez told MLB.COM. “Getting my first win is an incredible feeling. I am grateful to this organization and I’m thankful for my teammates who made great plays behind me”, said the flamethrower.
Over his last two starts during the month of July against the Houston and Seattle, the righty has allowed one run in 12.2 innings of work (0.71 ERA) and has had surrendered three hits between over that same span He has also struck out 12 and walked four during the two outings.
The Bluejays have had a disappointing campaign so far placing last in the American League East at the midway point, especially based on the talent their roster hold. Although making a playoff appearance this season will be tough sledding for the Canadian squad, one bright spot for the Jays might be the recent development of the native of Camagüey, Cuba.