Giants’ two S. Florida pitchers to get starts

MIAMI — It is somewhat surreal to see the face framed by a San Francisco Giants cap.

Dereck Rodriguez bears a strong resemblance to his hall-of-fame father Pudge Rodriquez, who made one of the most famous plays in Marlins history when he blocked the plate for the final out that eliminated the Giants from the first round of the 2003 playoffs.

Dereck was 11 and the Marlins clubhouse was his second home during the only season his father played in South Florida, which ended in the franchise’s second World Series championship.

“I remember everything. I was there almost every game,” said the younger Rodriguez, a rookie righthander who will make his third major league start Thursday against the Marlins.

“It was a year to remember, honestly. Won the World Series and all the time I spent at the field with the guys, so it was a lot of fun.

“It’s really awesome to be back. I was here playing in the Florida State League last year and now I’m here back in Florida playing against the Marlins in the big leagues.”

Rodriguez, who played high school ball at Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood and his senior year at Miami Pace, will follow another South Florida product, Andrew Suarez, who will start today’s game for the Giants.

Suarez, a left-hander, starred for Columbus High and then for the University of Miami, making two appearances in the 2015 College World Series.

Of more historical significance, Suarez started for the Hurricanes and pitched three solid innings against the Marlins in the stadiumopening exhibition at Marlins Park in March 2012.

“Was always watching the Marlins since I was little. Being able to play against them should be fun,” Suarez said.

“Some friends and some of the guys from UM as well texted me and said they’re going to come to the game.”

Early season injuries to veteran Giants starters Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija provided opportunities for both rookies.

Suarez has settled into the rotation and made nine starts, going 2-4 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.

Rodriguez, distinguished by his long flowing locks of hair, got his opportunity at the end of May when Samardzija went on the disabled list, completing a rapid ascent to the majors after converting from outfield to the mound in 2014.

“Dereck has really been impressive how fast he’s come on with the pitching side of it, being a converted guy. He has four pitches, good command,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

“He earned this promotion with how he was throwing the ball in Sacramento. We needed help and he’s provided that.”