Impact Rodriguez was called upon to protect a two-run lead and did so effectively. He's started the season with 8.1 scoreless frames and is a perfect 3-for-3 in save opportunities.
APRIL 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Tallies third save Rodriguez did not allow a baserunner and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Tigers.
Picks up second save Rodriguez pitched a perfect seventh inning to earn the save in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Tigers.
Impact Rodriguez got one groundout and two flyouts to lock down his second save of the year. Across 7.1 innings, he's allowed just one hit and a walk with seven strikeouts this year. Rodriguez remains the clear closer in Pittsburgh, although save chances haven't been all that frequent.
APRIL 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Goes two innings for win Rodriguez (1-0) pitched two perfect innings with two strikeouts to earn the win in Sunday's extra-inning victory over the Brewers.
Impact Rodriguez entered with the game tied at 5-5 in the ninth inning and retired the side on 12 pitches. He had enough left to stay in the game in the 10th after the Pirates took the lead, and after 12 more pitches, he earned his first win of the year. The 31-year-old has allowed just a hit and a walk with seven strikeouts in 6.1 innings this season. Rodriguez also has one save.
APRIL 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Records save in season opener Rodriguez earned the save in Thursday's win over the Cubs after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, walking one and striking out two.
Impact Rodriguez closed the door on the Cubs on Thursday, and the 31-year-old reliever put the finishing touches on a stellar performance from the Pirates' bullpen -- they allowed just one run across six frames between six hurlers. Rodriguez, who tossed eight of his 14 pitches for strikes, posted a career-best 0.86 WHIP to go along with a 2.70 ERA in 23.1 innings last season, and he looks set to collect most of Pittsburgh's save opportunities as long as he remains effective.
APRIL 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Ineffective Monday Rodriguez gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits in one inning against Minnesota on Monday. He struck out one batter.
Impact He's given up one run in five of his seven spring outings. The team hasn't revealed whether it will go with one closer or a bullpen-by-committee, but Rodriguez has done little this spring to lock down the closer's job. Kyle Crick and David Bednar are also in the mix for late-inning work.
MARCH 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Gives up run Thursday Rodriguez gave up one earned run in 1.1 innings against Baltimore on Thursday, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out one batter.
Impact He came in to pitch against the Orioles' starting lineup with two outs and two on in the second inning and served up a three-run homer to Ryan Mountcastle. Rodriguez ended 2020 as the team's closer, but manager Derek Shelton has not named a closer and hinted at the possibility of a closer-by-committee or using Rodriguez in a set-up role to start 2021. The righty has registered a 6.35 ERA, 2.12 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB in 5.2 spring innings.
MARCH 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Role not defined Rodriguez, who has allowed three earned runs on nine hits and one walk in 4.1 innings this spring, has not been named the team's closer, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.
Impact He's looked upon as the team's default closer after saving four games at the end of 2020, but manager Derek Shelton has said he feels Rodriguez is better equipped as a setup man. Kyle Crick has gained velocity back this spring, while the most impressive reliever in camp may be David Bednar. Rodriguez still has a decent chance of closing, as the rebuilding organization would probably like to flip the right-hander and his highest value might be as a closer, but the team hasn't decided on a specific bullpen role for him or anyone else at this point.
MARCH 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Does well Wednesday Rodriguez struck out three in a scoreless inning against the Yankees on Wednesday. He allowed one hit and no walks, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.
Impact While manager Derek Shelton has shied away from naming a closer, he used Keone Kela in that role last season. "Having a guy who specifically pitches the ninth? Yeah, I would love for there to be one guy who does that," Shelton said. "Do I know if we'll get there this year? No. To say one way or another, I don't think it's fair." Rodriguez collected four saves in 2020 once he moved into the position. As a result, there's a pretty good chance he'll start 2021 as the team's closer; just keep in mind that the rebuilding organization could trade Rodriguez at some point during the season.
MARCH 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Reaches deal with Buccos Rodriguez signed a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the Pirates on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact The 30-year-old finished 2020 as Pittsburgh's closer and will make $1.7 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Rodriguez had a 2.70 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 34:5 K:BB over 23.1 innings last season, and he should begin spring training as the favorite for the closer's job again in 2021.
JANUARY 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Picks up save No. 4 Rodriguez allowed one hit while striking out the side in the ninth to secure his fourth save of the season Wednesday against the Cubs.
Impact Rodriguez struck out Javier Baez to open up the ninth before allowing Jason Kipnis to reach on an infield single. The right-hander then was able to get David Bote to chase at a slider in the dirt for the second out but the runner was able to advance to second on the wild pitch. The last out didn't come easy as Rodriguez needed nine pitches before finally getting Ian Happ to whiff for strike three as he earned the save. The 30-year-old has not allowed a run over his last 11 appearances as he lowered his ERA to a 2.70 while posting an impressive 0.86 WHIP and 34:5 K:BB across 23.1 innings.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Collects another win Rodriguez notched his second win in three days Tuesday, hurling a scoreless ninth inning in a 5-4 victory over the White Sox.
Impact Since allowing runs in three of four outings in late August, Rodriguez has registered six scoreless innings in his last six games. With Keone Kela still on the Injured List, Rodriguez appears set for additional save opportunities. The 30-year-old has picked up three saves while compiling a 3.38 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 18.2 innings. Opponents are batting just .164 off the righty.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Closes door for third save Rodriguez pitched a scoreless seventh inning in the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Reds to earn his third save of the season. He did not record a strikeout.
Impact Called upon to protect a one-run lead, Rodriguez retired the side on 12 pitches to nail down the win for Pittsburgh. He allowed three balls in play but all three were softly hit; Shogo Akiyama and Tucker Barnhart popped up in the infield and Jose Garcia hit a soft grounder to first base. With that, Rodriguez is 3-for-4 in save chances with a 3.78 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 16.2 total innings. Meanwhile, as of Wednesday, Keone Kela (forearm) still has not thrown off a mound.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Scoreless ninth against Cubs Rodriguez struck out the side in a scoreless ninth inning during Thursday's 6-2 win over the Cubs.
Impact After a shaky outing in which he allowed two runs and blew the save against the Brewers on Aug. 29, Rodriguez has now tossed three scoreless innings while allowing just one hit across his last three appearances. Although Thursday did not mark a save opportunity, Rodriguez still seems to be a strong candidate to receive chances to close while Keone Kela (forearm) continues to rehab.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Blows first save Rodriguez (0-2) took the loss and the blown save against Milwaukee on Saturday, allowing two runs on one hit and one walk while failing to retire a batter.
Impact Rodriguez was summoned in the bottom of the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead, but he began the inning by walking Jace Peterson and saw his night end when the next batter, Eric Sogard, walked him off. Rodriguez was shaky despite notching a save in his previous appearance, so it wouldn't be shocking if Pittsburgh goes in another direction the next time a save opportunity arises.
AUGUST 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Records second save of week Rodriguez picked up the save Thursday in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits in one inning while striking...
Impact Rodriguez lacked efficiency and needed 26 pitches (21 strikes). He looked shaky before striking out the final two hitters. The right-hander may have to compete with Nik Turley for saves as the lefty threw a clean inning to record a save in the nightcap of Thursday's twin bill.
AUGUST 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Notches first save Rodriguez picked up the save in Sunday's win over the Brewers, striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.
Impact With regular closer Keone Kela still dealing with forearm tightness, Rodriguez was given his first save chance Sunday. He did well with the opportunity, striking out a pair in a three up, three down ninth. Kela is still considered day-to-day, but if his absence extends beyond Sunday, Rodriguez could be called upon to get more saves in the coming days.
AUGUST 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Picks up loss Sunday Rodriguez got the loss Sunday against the Tigers, allowing a run over two innings, striking out three while giving up one hit.
Impact It wasn't that bad of an outing for Rodriguez, but it was enough in a game with no margin for error. With both Kyle Crick and Nick Burdi on the IL, and Keone Kela still working his way back from the COVID-19 IL, Rodriguez had a chance to step in and pick up a few spare saves. But now the Pirates are off for three days thanks to their series against the Cardinals being postponed, and Kela could be back soon.
AUGUST 10, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Slugs clutch homer DeJong went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's victory over Pittsburgh.
Impact DeJong belted a two-run shot to left field off Richard Rodriguez in the eighth inning for what proved to be important insurance runs in the Cardinals' 5-4 victory. The 26-year-old hit a career-high 30 homers last season and has averaged a healthy 24.6 long balls per season over the first three years of his career.
JULY 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Unimpressive final preseason outing Crick gave up one run on two hits Wednesday against the Indians. He struck out three batters, Alex Stumpf of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.
Impact His velocity remains down. According to Stumpf, Crick's fastball averaged just 91 mph. The reliever, who surrendered a homer to Jose Ramirez, has done little to secure his spot as closer with Keone Kela (illness) sidelined. Manager Derek Shelton may simply decide to mix and match his high-leverage opportunities, depending on who's throwing well. Crick, Nick Burdi, Michael Feliz and Richard Rodriguez are all candidates for save opportunities in Kela's stead.
JULY 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
No set closer without Kela Crick won't be named the fill-in closer as manager Derek Shelton said Friday he plans to mix and match in save opportunities if Keone Kela (undisclosed) is unavailable, Rob Biertem...
Impact Crick still figures to be atop the list of potential ninth-inning options, but Shelton doesn't plan on relying on a single arm. Kela has yet to report to camp and has no official timeline for his return, so it remains to be seen how many games he misses, if any. Crick recorded 17 holds and had a 2.39 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 2018, but he struggled last season with a 4.96 ERA in 52 outings. Richard Rodriguez and Nick Burdi could also factor into the mix if Kela remains sidelined.
JULY 17, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Could see higher-leverage role Rodriguez may be in the mix for high-leverage opportunities with Keone Kela (undisclosed) absent from summer training, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.
Impact Kyle Crick is the likely favorite for the closer's role should Kela miss game action, but Rodriguez could then be utilized in a setup role. The 30-year-old had a 3.72 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 63:23 K:BB over 65.1 innings last season while recording 16 holes, but his season was marred by inconsistency.
JULY 15, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Pirates pitcher Richard Rodriguez on 10-day disabled list
CHICAGO (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed right-hander Richard Rodriquez on the 10-day disabled list because of pain in his right shoulder.JUNE 8, 2018
