Alex Cora declares Eduardo Rodriguez a true ace after his 4-0 start
Eduardo Rodriguez is 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA to start the 2021 season. He’s been good overall, but “true ace of the staff” worthy?
“E-Rod” entered the season with that title by default, due to Chris Sale’s continued recovery from Tommy John surgery and no major off-season additions to the rotation. He’s definitely shown the upside of a top-of-the-rotation starter, after going 19-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 2019.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora is ready to declare him the ace now, though, after his latest win over the Mariners on Sunday. Rodriguez allowed a run in the first inning before settling in over the next three. The Mariners scratched across a pair of runs with three straight hits to start the fifth inning, but Rodriguez retired nine straight batters after that to maintain the Sox’ lead.
“That’s what aces do, right? They put their team on their back and carry us to a W,” Cora said after the game (via Ian Browne at MLB.com). “It didn’t start well, but the fact he’s throwing so many strikes and getting swings and misses is good. He was able to elevate with the fastball and use his cutter and the changeup, and gave us seven strong.”
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
