Closer Mason Miller wasn't available for the San Diego Padres last night, so Bradgley Rodriguez subbed in.
Going into this season, there was speculation that reliever Bradgley Rodriguez could play a big role for the San Diego Padres. The 22-year old Rodriguez has fulfilled that speculation and then some, and last night be subbed in for regular closer Mason Miller and got his first big-league save in San Diego’s 7-5 win over the Cleveland Guardians.
Miller had a heavy workload this week, and he expressed happiness for his surprising teammate as he took a much-needed night off.
“I think he’ll remember this one, too,” two-time All-Star Miller said in a followup piece written by Brian Dulik of MLB.com. “He’s 22, so young, and he’s so confident. You can talk about his future, but I’m excited about it right now. I’m happy for him.”
Rodriguez didn’t quite land in Miller country with his velocity, but he didn’t exactly embarrass himself, either. He hit 100.8 mph on a called third strike to Chase DeLauter, which was one of two Rodriguez notched after giving up a leadoff double to Brayan Rocchio in the ninth.
“I’m just very emotional about getting that first save,” Rodriguez said through interpreter Jorge Merlos. “The first of many, hopefully, in my major league career.
“I’m just going to keep going. Whatever point I get into the game, I’m going to be able to deliver again.”
Rodriguez earned his first save in his 58th appearance since making his Padres debut last May 31, according to Dulik, who added that the reliever’s numbers since then include a a 1.98 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP, a 4-2 record and 68 strikeouts in 63-2/3 innings.
Manager Craig Stammen piled on with some impressive praise as he continues to throw Rodriguez into one clutch situation after another as the Padres continue their drive toward the postseason.
“What we’re seeing is foreshadowing what he’ll probably be throughout his career,” Stammen said. “He’s one of the best relievers in baseball, and he proved it again tonight being able to pitch the ninth.
“Even giving up a leadoff double, for a rookie on the road, and to just go get 1-2-3 right after that was pretty big.”
Rodriguez also talked about what he’s learned from Miller and the other veterans, as he’s relied on relievers Jason Adam and Wandy Peralta for advice and a template to follow, per Dulik.
“What I’ve learned from these veterans is there is a sense of calmness you need when you’re going out there for that last inning,” Rodriguez said. “You don’t have all that anxiety. To me, it’s about having that calmness to the best of my ability to get guys out.”
