Eduardo Rodriguez
Arizona Diamondbacks • #57 • SP
- Rodriguez will begin the season on the injured list after being diagnosed with a strained left lat, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.He suffered the injury during his last Cactus League outing on Tuesday. Rodriguez will be shut down from throwing until he’s asymptomatic, so there is no timetable for when he might make his season debut. Ryne Nelson and Tommy Henry had been competing for the final spot in the Diamondbacks’ rotation, but they now will probably both be needed to start some games.
- Diamondbacks’ Pavin Smith: Optioned to minors The Diamondbacks optioned Smith to Triple-A Reno on Friday.Smith didn’t hit much this spring and had options remaining, so he finds himself on the outside looking in for an Opening Day roster spot. The 28-year-old should play regularly at Reno between first base and the outfield.
- Diamondbacks’ Andrew Saalfrank: Sent down to Triple-A The Diamondbacks optioned Saalfrank to Triple-A Reno on Friday.Saalfrank had a key role down the stretch for the Diamondbacks last season, but he had options remaining and that might have worked against him. The southpaw will likely to spend plenty of time in Arizona’s bullpen this season.
- Diamondbacks’ Eugenio Suarez: Launches second spring homer Suarez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday’s spring game against Colorado.Suarez hit his second spring homer and is 8-for-30 with three extra-base hits and five RBI in exhibition play. After dealing with a side injury earlier in camp, Suarez told Michael Reynolds of MLB.com that he’s “healthy and ready to go.” He’ll serve as Arizona’s primary third baseman.
- Diamondbacks’ Tommy Henry: Bounces back Henry walked one and struck out three over 3.1 hitless and scoreless innings in Wednesday’s spring start against the Rockies.Henry bounced back from a few rough appearances. He entered the start having allowed five runs in each of his last two outings, which may have set him behind Ryne Nelson for the final spot in the rotation. Wednesday’s turnaround comes after Eduardo Rodriguez was removed from a Cactus League start due to a lat injury, which could temporarily open a second spot in the rotation.