20 Under 25 Rankings: #14 – Eduardo Rodriguez

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TURNS 25: APRIL 7, 2018
FINAL RATING: 6.2

Prior to the 2016 campaign Eduardo Rodriguez might’ve found himself higher on this list. But the soap opera that was the 23-year-old’s second season in Boston was unsettling.

Following 2015, when he finished with a 3.85 ERA over 121 innings, Rodriguez was penciled in as the Red Sox' No. 2 starter behind David Price. But a February knee injury that initially seemed mild delayed the start of his season to May 31.

When E-Rod made his return to a scuffling starting rotation, he didn't provide the help they needed. He gave up 4-plus runs in four of his first six outings, buying himself a bus ticket to Pawtucket.

However, his second stint with the Red Sox, which began after a couple of weeks in the minors, was much more promising . . . until a hamstring injury all but ended his season.

Rodriguez clearly has that ability to be a No. 2 starting pitcher on most teams, but his mental makeup is the biggest concern. With Price, Chris Sale, and Rick Porcello filling the first three slots in the rotation, Rodriguez has significantly less pressure on him entering 2017. This will be the chance for him to get his bearings and should serve as the final test for the Boston front office to see if he can handle the pressure of pitching in this city.
 

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