Eduardo Rodríguez has defied skeptics to anchor the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rotation.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Eduardo Rodríguez has produced one of the most surprising seasons in MLB.
Few expected the veteran to emerge as one of the National League’s most effective starters after the difficult first two years of his tenure in Arizona.
There were legitimate reasons to believe Rodríguez could improve. He reported to spring training in better shape. He arrived healthier. He also entered the season with a better understanding of his pitch mix.
Even with those encouraging signs, almost nobody expected the results that followed.
Through 19 starts, Rodríguez owns a 2.29 ERA across 114 innings. He also earned the first All-Star selection of his career and pitched a scoreless inning during the Midsummer Classic.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen acknowledged how unexpected the turnaround has been.
Hazen surprised with Rodríguez's turnaround
Speaking with Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke Show, Hazen admitted that nobody, including himself, would have predicted Rodríguez would produce one of the best first halves by any pitcher in franchise history.
He also credited the veteran for carrying the rotation throughout the season.
“If we backed up 365 days ago and you guys were asking me about Eduardo Rodríguez, what would you have been saying to me?” Hazen said.
“There’s nobody nobody on planet Earth, including myself... that would have looked us in the face and said ‘Eduardo Rodríguez is gonna have one of the best first half of any Diamondback pitcher in history and is gonna pitch in the All-Star Game next year.’”
What changed for Rodríguez?
The answer is not an increase in strikeouts. Rodríguez is actually striking out hitters at the lowest rate of his career. His 6.24 Strikeouts Per Nine Innings (K/9) translate to a below-average 17.1% Strikeout Rate (K%).
Instead, the transformation has come through adjustments to his pitch selection.
Rodríguez threw his four-seam fastball 43% of the time during the 2024 season. That number increased to 47% in 2025. This year, it has dropped to 40%.
His changeup now accounts for more than 27% of his pitches. He has also incorporated a curveball that represents 13% of his arsenal. His cutter has become another important part of the mix.
Those adjustments have produced encouraging results. Opponents are hitting .196 against his four-seam fastball despite its reduced usage. The pitch also carries a .246 Expected Batting Average (xBA).
His changeup has been equally effective. Opposing hitters own a .195 batting average against it with a .241 Expected Batting Average (xBA).
Could Rodríguez regress this season?
Some underlying metrics still point toward possible regression.
Rodríguez carries a 5.06 xERA and a 4.11 FIP.
Even so, those numbers cannot erase what he has already accomplished.
He enters the second half with an 8-3 record, outstanding run prevention, and the first All-Star selection of his career at 33 years old.
The Diamondbacks have relied heavily on every inning he has provided. Rodríguez has built this season on intelligence, adaptability, and trust in his entire repertoire. He no longer depends on overpowering hitters.
Instead, he changes speeds effectively and keeps opponents from becoming comfortable in the batter’s box.
He attacks with confidence and consistently works ahead in counts. His willingness to adjust has allowed him to maximize his strengths instead of chasing strikeouts.
Rodríguez also brings valuable experience to Arizona’s rotation. He understands how to navigate difficult situations without allowing innings to unravel.
His calm presence and steady approach have become important qualities for a staff that has dealt with constant challenges throughout the season.
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