Carlos Rodríguez took the mound last Sunday against Israel in the World Baseball Classic and although he took the loss on the night he only allowed an earned run on four hits and struck four in four innings pitched. The young hurler was raised in Miami and is of Cuban and Nicaraguan descent.
Rodríguez has seen action in two tournaments now with the Nicaraguan National Team and in eight inning sports a 0-1 record and a sterling 2.25 earned run average. The 24-year-old is starting to mature as a pitcher and his best years are yet to come.
The Brewers prospects expects to parlay his showing in the tournament into a strong spring training showing into a major league roster spot with team. In two major league seasons primarily as a reliever he has a 1-3 mark and a 6.95 earned run average in 22 innings pitched.
How did your time in LIDOM this year help you prepare for this tournament?
Yes, it was very helpful because it’s a league with many veterans, and that often helps pitchers think and see what’s happening.
Now, how will this World Baseball Classic help you prepare for the season with the Brewers?
I’d say the pressure of a World Baseball Classic is a little greater than that of Major League Baseball. I haven’t experienced a postseason yet, but I think that’s a key thing that can help me.
You have a Cuban father and a Nicaraguan mother, two cultures that are together here in Miami. How have you felt playing here?
It’s a dream come true because I grew up here in Miami, and to have my whole family here and see myself pitching for my country at Marlins Stadium is incredible.
At what level will you start this season?
Well, for now they’ve told me I’ll start in Triple-A, but anything can happen and opportunities will come along eventually.
Do you have any goals for this season?
Yes, to establish myself in the Major Leagues year-round.