E-Rod has spring in step for ’17 debut

A component of John Farrell’s mission in spring training was to make Eduardo Rodriguez a more complete starting pitcher.

The Red Sox manager said he was satisfied by the sampling he got from Rodriguez in six Grapefruit League appearances. The left-hander will get the first test of his third season in the organization when he faces the Pittsburgh Pirates in the series finale this afternoon (weather permitting) at Fenway Park.

“He’s primed and ready to go,” Farrell said. “I thought there were a number of outings in spring training where he was not only overly powerful but with an improved slider and a more defined pitch where it gives him three defined pitches.

“It gives him a little bit more depth to the pitch and from a health standpoint he’s ready to go.”

Rodriguez showed signs of brilliance in his two previous seasons but it wasn’t enough to remain in the rotation that was constantly being upgraded by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.

“I feel ready to pitch and I can’t wait,” Rodriguez said. “I worked really good in spring training to get ready and I feel like all my pitches are ready and everything is 100 percent.”

Rodriguez went 10-6 with a 3.85 ERA over 21 starts and 121 2⁄3 innings as a rookie. He began 2016 on the disabled list with a knee injury and missed the first 51 games but made 20 starts and went 3-7 with a 4.70 ERA. The one element of Rodriguez’ repertoire that remained constant through the ups and downs was his ability to locate the fastball.

“When I have command of the fastball and I’m working both sides that opens the door to use my changeup, two-seamer and slider,” Rodriguez said. “That is how it is in every respect, when you have your fastball you can play with the other pitches.”

Rodriguez enjoyed smooth sailing in five of his six appearances in spring training. His only rough patch was a six-inning effort against the Baltimore Orioles when he gave up six runs (four earned) on nine hits, with three strikeouts and a walk.

Rodriguez is at his best when he gets through the sixth inning. In his previous two seasons with the Sox, he went 12-2 with a 1.81 ERA when he pitched at least six innings.

“He looks good and he’s good pitcher and once he gets ahead in the count in a game, that’s when he’s really good,” said catcher Sandy Leon. “His fastball is a great pitch and when he spots it in and out he’s the best. He can use it with his change and slider. He is a great kid and I think he can have a really good season. He worked hard this spring and he pitched every game like it was the last game of the season.”

Rodriguez has taken David Price’s slot in the starting rotation.