Philadelphia Phillies: Joely Rodriguez traded to Rangers
The Philadelphia Phillies made a small trade involving the lefty pitcher Rodriguez.
The Philadelphia Phillies have traded left-handed pitcher Joely Rodriguez to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Rodriguez appeared in 26 games this season for the Phillies, posting a 6.33 ERA. The Rangers optioned him to Triple-A Round Rock.
Rodriguez was disastrous for Philadelphia this season as batters hit .325 against him. Rodriguez allowed over 12 hits per nine innings and walked 15 in only 27 innings. He was designated for assignment last Wednesday after he allowed three base runners in relief against Atlanta last week. The Phillies had seven days to trade or attempt to clear him through waivers.
There were high hopes for Rodriguez after he looked electric in 12 appearances at the end of last season. Rodriguez posted just a 2.79 ERA in 9.2 innings while striking out seven.
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He began the season as the Phillies no. 23 prospect but misuse and command issues prevented him from being successful with the team.
Rodriguez’s season was marred by several bad outings, including allowing seven earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning against the Rangers.
Rodriguez wasn’t especially effective against left-handed batters this season (.352 BAA, 5.40 ERA against lefties) making his role as a left-handed specialist essentially useless. Most of his issues stemmed from command issues, as batters hit .367 against him when ahead in the count.
The Rangers will likely look to groom Rodriguez into a left-handed specialist, similar to what the Phillies said they wanted to do. The trade offers him an opportunity to resurrect his career with a team that could show more patience with him than the Phillies offered.
For the Phillies, this leaves Adam Morgan as the only left-handed pitcher on the 40-man roster. Pat Venditte and Elniery Garcia (currently serving 80-game suspension) represent the only left-handed options in the minors.
Next: Phillies select Connor Seabold
Venditte is an intriguing option, having pitched to a 6-0 record with a 2.41 ERA in 22 games for the Lehigh Valley IornPigs this season. Philadelphia passed on calling him up when Rodriguez was DFA, instead calling up righty Casey Fien. Venditte is not on the 40-man roster, but injuries or trades could open the door for Venditte to be added in the near future.