Despite two surgeries, Endy Rodriguez embraces his comeback, focusing on a healthy return and reclaiming his catcher role with unwavering optimism.
Rehabilitation from elbow injuries can be a long, lonely, and grueling process for baseball players.
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez understands. He injured his elbow playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, reinjured it last season, and needed ulnar nerve reposition surgery in August. He later underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in December 2023.
Rodriguez was admittedly devastated when he first learned he would need a second procedure. However, he was comforted by the fact that he had successfully completed one rehab.
“It was easier because I know the routine and everything, but it was hard because it was about the same injury, but I would say it was pretty easy,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez, 25, should be ready for full baseball activity when spring training starts on Feb. 11 in Bradenton, Fla.
“It’s been pretty healthy, let’s start with that,” Rodriguez said of his elbow, “and mentally been pretty good. Just always going to have (my mental). Control what you can control, and I can control my mental. So, I’m always 100% mentally. So, I’m good with that.
“I’m full go right now. Yeah. Full go. Right now, we’re just taking care of everything and just keeping things in real life.”
Rodriguez’s second surgery led to speculation that the Pirates might have him stop catching. However. Rodriguez says his primary position is still catcher, and he has been told he could also see some playing time at first base, where he was the surprise opening-day starter last season while Spencer Horwitz recovered from hand surgery.
“The arm has been solid,” Rodriguez said. “So, it’s about the same, I would say. It’s been pretty consistent. So, we can’t worry about if I’m going to be a catcher now.”
Rodriguez entered 2023 as Pittsburgh's top prospect after winning the organization’s 2022 minor league player of the year. In 125 games with High-A Greensboro, Double-A Altoona, and Triple-A Indianapolis, he hit .323/.407/.590 with 25 home runs.
Rodriguez has struggled in the majors, hitting .210/.276/.311 with three home runs in 75 games over the last two seasons.
Rodriguez will likely have a hard time making the opening day roster. Pittsburgh's major league catchers are Joey Bart and Henry Davis, while Rafael Flores, ranked as the Pirates' sixth-best prospect by Baseball America, also plays catcher. Yet Rodriguez is undeterred.
“I’m very excited to see this team playing,” Rodriguez said. “Hopefully, be there healthy and just ready to play and help the team.”
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