E-Rod named Opening Day starter
Dalbec launches another slam
Alex Cora knew it all along, but he made it official on Wednesday: Eduardo Rodriguez will be the Red Sox’ Opening Day starter.
The manager didn’t need any more convincing after Rodriguez submitted his third consecutive strong start of the spring on Wednesday. A year after being slated to start on Opening Day before the pandemic hit and he lost the season due to myocarditis, Rodriguez will take the ball in two weeks at Fenway Park against the Orioles.
“He’s one of the best out there,” Cora said. “He had a great season in ’19. Last year, he wasn’t able to pitch for obvious reasons and what he’s shown now, he’s healthy, he’s ready to go. Fifty-one pitches in five innings against a good lineup, it was just a matter of time and that’s our Opening Day starter.”
Cora had been coy the entire spring on if Rodriguez would start Opening Day, but after striking out six in five innings on Wednesday, he’d seen enough. In three starts, Rodriguez has thrown 11 2/3 innings and allowed three earned runs on eight hits with 14 strikeouts and zero walks.
“He was going to be my Opening Day starter last year,” Cora said. “Coming into camp, I knew it. I had an idea. I just wanted to make sure he was healthy enough. … He’s so sharp right now. I wish his next start was April 1st. That’s not the case, but he’ll keep working. I knew coming into this that if he was OK throughDal the progression, it was going to be him.”
Rodriguez had not yet known that he was officially named the Opening Day starter during his media availability shortly after his appearance, but said he’d appreciate the honor if it happened.
“If I got the opportunity, I’m going to be so happy to do it because that’s something everybody wants to do one time in their career,” Rodriguez said. “If I have an opportunity to do it this year, I’m going to really appreciate it. I’m going to love it. Be the first pitcher of the season for us, I’m going to be so happy with it.”
Cora said he’s proud of Rodriguez, who he challenged to be better in 2019. The lefty responded with the best season of his career, making 34 starts and surpassing 200 innings for the first time while striking out 213. Though there was great uncertainty about how he would look after coming back from an unprecedented health condition, he’s looked like himself.
“I’m proud,” Cora said. “It’s not happy — I’m just proud of him. Very proud.”
Houck optioned
It seemed likely that Tanner Houck would start the season in Worcester and the Red Sox confirmed that Wednesday by optioning him to the alternate site. After three uneven performances this spring, Houck is still developing, but he should still be a big part of the team’s plans in 2021.
Seven players were reassigned to the minor leagues on Wednesday: Kole Cottam, Daniel Gossett, Stephen Gonsalves, Josh Ockimey, Triston Casas, Jarren Duran and Yairo Muñoz.
Cordero progressing
It still seems unlikely that Franchy Cordero will be ready for Opening Day, but Cora hasn’t ruled it out just yet.
The new outfielder took seven at-bats in a B game on Wednesday, and he’s expected to take another seven in a sim game today. And the way things are going, Cora said he wouldn’t be surprised if he was ready to play in games by Monday.
After a stint on the COVID19 injured list that delayed his start to camp, Cordero’s greatest obstacle is catching up with his conditioning. If he can get up to speed there, an Opening Day appearance isn’t out of the question.
“There’s always a chance but we’re not gonna push him,” Cora said. “But as far as at-bats, he’s catching up with everybody. … As far as the atbats, he’s right there with everybody else, it’s just a matter of the other part. Playing defense, running the bases, but there’s a chance he can be with us.”
Santana on mend
There was good news for the Red Sox as Cora said Danny Santana was getting out of the hospital on Wednesday after suffering a foot infection over the weekend. Santana, who recently signed a minorleague deal and is a candidate to make the Opening Day roster, will have stitches for two weeks.
“He’s in good spirits,” Cora said. “I’ve been texting with him, communicating the last few days, and obviously he’s night and day with where he’s at emotionally. So, I’m happy for him.”
Grand performance
Bobby Dalbec hit his second grand slam of the spring in Wednesday’s 9-1 win over the Twins. The first baseman is now batting .333 with five homers, 12 RBI and 13 strikeouts this spring.