Eduardo Rodriguez scratched from Opening Day start

Last week, Alex Cora named Eduardo Rodriguez the Red Sox Opening Day starter. It was an opportunity Rodriguez had been vocally excited about, especially after he missed the 2020 season due to COVID and related myocarditis.

Unfortunately, that is no longer the plan. Speaking to the media on Friday, Cora told reporters Rodriguez will be "pushed back" from his Opening Day start. This comes after Rodriguez was pulled from his most recent Spring Training start early, and is said to be dealing with a case of 'dead arm.'

"We've been very straight forward with [Rodriguez]," Cora told reporters. "His body is going to dictate what we're going to do." Cora says the 27-year-old was supposed to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday but played catch Thursday instead, and the team will have a further update on his condition after seeing how he responded physically to that session.

Even with his shortened final outing, Rodriguez put together a strong performance this spring. In 13.2 innings spread out over four starts, he allowed 11 hits while striking out 15 hitters, and posted a 2.63 ERA.

With Rodriguez unable to go, Nathan Eovaldi will make his second straight Opening Day start for the Red Sox. Last season against Baltimore, he threw six innings while allowing just one run. So far this spring, he has a 6.60 ERA in four starts.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.