The Toronto Blue Jays are still unsure of how they want to proceed with pitcher Yariel Rodriguez but it looks like the Cuban pitcher would prefer returning to the starting rotation.
The Blue Jays placed Rodriguez in the bullpen once they signed Max Scherzer since they preferred keeping Bowden Francis in the rotation since he had a much stronger season in 2024 than Rodriguez.
Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez wants out of the bullpen
Rodriguez had his best performance since joining the Blue Jays against the Nationals the other night at least that is what manager John Schneider said after he came into the game and helped the Blue Jays beat the Nationals.
«That was, in my opinion, his best professional inning,» manager John Schneider said before Monday's 5-2 win over the Nationals. «That was pretty damn good.» -Schneider
After the game Rodriguez was asked about how he felt by in the bullpen which he admitted he would prefer being a starting pitcher but added that it's their decision and he is ready to follow what they need.
«To be honest, I've always preferred to be a starter. That's what I've always liked,» Rodriguez said. «But at the end of the day, it's their decision. In the bullpen, I've done it before, so I also feel great in the bullpen and I'm OK with that.» -Rodriguez
While Rodriguez ideally wants out of the bullpen and would prefer being in the starting rotation which he made clear, it is a positive that he is willing to put the team's needs ahead of his own.
While Scherzer is still battling back from his thumb injury and the Blue Jays still are unsure of what to do with him, there is still a chance that they turn to Rodriguez to step up into the rotation if need be.
Should be interesting to see how all of this plays out for Rodriguez this season.