It was a rough day for Toronto Blue Jays starter Yariel Rodriguez.
Rodriguez started the first game of the Blue Jays’ doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday but failed to make it out of the first inning.
The Cuban right-hander was pulled after getting just two outs, issuing four walks and hitting a batter before being replaced by Brandon Eisert with the bases loaded.
After the game, the Blue Jays announced that Rodriguez had been optioned to triple-A Buffalo to make room for Game 2’s starter Bowden Francis.
The Blue Jays also optioned right-hander Yerry Rodriguez to Buffalo and called up right-hander Jose Cuas who will be active for Monday night’s game.
Yariel Rodriguez was making his 11th start of the season but didn’t have the command to compete with the high-powered Baltimore lineup.
He had been excellent his last four times out, posting a 2.01 ERA with 25 strikeouts and eight walks while racking up 22.1 innings over those four starts. But Monday, he set a new career high in walks allowed and tied for the most earned runs he has allowed in a single outing — all before getting three outs.
Francis will make his fourth start of the season on Monday night. Over 38.2 innings with the Blue Jays this season, Francis has a 5.82 ERA.
It’s a big spot for the 28-year-old Francis, as with the Blue Jays in sell mode, he has a chance to prove himself as a capable starter as Toronto looks ahead to the 2025 season.
Catcher Brian Serven is also in Monday night’s starting lineup, making his first start since being called up from triple-A Buffalo after long-time catcher Danny Jansen was traded to the Boston Red Sox.
Monday night’s start time is currently to be determined because of inclement weather in the area. You can watch the game live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant roster move today, promoting top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to the major league team and sending struggling pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez down to triple-A.
Guerrero Jr., the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, has been tearing up the minor leagues with his impressive hitting ability and power. The 20-year-old third baseman is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in all of baseball and fans have been eagerly anticipating his arrival in the big leagues.
On the other hand, Rodriguez has struggled to find his groove this season, posting a 5.19 ERA in 11 starts for the Blue Jays. The 26-year-old left-hander has shown flashes of potential in the past, but has been unable to put it all together consistently at the major league level.
The decision to send Rodriguez down to triple-A is likely a temporary move to allow him to work on his mechanics and regain his confidence. The Blue Jays are hopeful that he will be able to make the necessary adjustments and return to the major league team stronger than ever.
In the meantime, Guerrero Jr. will be given the opportunity to showcase his talents at the highest level of competition. Fans can expect to see him make an immediate impact with his powerful bat and impressive defensive skills at third base.
Overall, this roster move by the Blue Jays is an exciting development for both the team and its fans. Guerrero Jr.’s promotion brings a sense of optimism and anticipation for the future, while Rodriguez’s demotion provides him with a chance to regroup and rediscover his form. It will be interesting to see how these changes play out in the coming weeks and months as the Blue Jays continue their quest for success in the competitive American League East.