Wandy Rodriguez Signed to a Minor League Deal
Just when I was starting to think that David Hale‘s path to the rotation might be setting up in his favor… then the Braves start adding new candidates that might be competing for that 5th starter role.
Though not yet official, it was widely reported yesterday that free agent left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez agreed to a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves, pending a physical.
Ah, the physical: that turns out to be a key element here for a couple of reasons, the first being that Philadelphia seemed poised to get Wandy for themselves… until the nearly-36-year-old Rodriguez failed their physical (for reasons unstated). Whatever the reason, he did throw a few innings in 2 Dominican Winter League starts: 7 innings, 1.29 ERA, 5 hits, 2 BB, 6 K, 1.00 WHIP.
About Wandy
Over his major league career, which stretches back to 2005, Rodriguez has averaged a 101 ERA+. His best seasons came as a member of the Astros from 2008-2011.
Once with Pittsburgh, injuries hampered him mightily: only 75 innings in 2012, 63 in 2013, and 27 last year (with pretty ugly results at that).
When he’s healthy, he’s very good – but the question is whether he is now healthy enough to regain the form that made him a key part of the Houston staff.
The Braves have made a conditional bet on that: $2 million is he can make the team… but he will have competition.
Next: Braves Ink Former High Prospect
It’s a Horserace
Within roughly a week or two, we have gone from ‘David Hale’ to several possible 5th starters – and added depth.
- David Hale (RHP) – still probably him job to lose, those the Braves have liked his work in the bullpen as the “long man”
- James Russell (LHP) – not the LOOGY we were hoping to get, but showed during the season-ending game of 2014 that he has an ability to start games.
- Manny Banuelos (LHP) – just acquired in the Carpenter/Shreve trade, this is the Wild Card. Everyone talks about his ‘high upside’, but the question is whether he will need some additional AAA work before he gets everything back together after his surgery rehab.
- Chien-Ming Wang (RHP) – don’t forget him. He’s almost 34 now and hasn’t pitched well since breaking his ankle, but he’s trying yet another comeback bid.
- Wandy Rodriguez (LHP) – we’ll find out how he’s really doing during Spring.
It might be a little tough for these guys to find enough mound time to show their stuff in Orlando, but it is the first three on the list who have the inside track on that 5th starter role: they are already on the 40-man roster.
None of these pitchers are sure bets… but maybe between the five, Atlanta can limp around the racetrack and cobble together 190-220 innings over 30-34 starts. I can think of much worse things than the possibility of having three southpaws in the rotation.