House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves Release Left-Handed Relief Pitcher Paco Rodriguez…Why?!?

By John Le

Mar 16, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Paco Rodriguez (75) throws against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Champion Stadium. The Tigers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Paco Rodriguez (75) throws against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Champion Stadium. The Tigers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Atlanta Braves Cut Ties With The Lefty As Team Prepares For Opening Day.

Tuesday morning the Atlanta Braves continued their trimming of the roster in time for the new season, making five roster moves. One of them included the release of left-handed reliever Paco Rodriguez. The Braves also announced that LHP Eric O’Flaherty and OF Emilio Bonifacio would make the team, RHP Matt Wisler is going to AAA, while RHP Joel De La Cruz is going to minor league camp.

This came as a shocker for many fans as the hype of Rodriguez’s return to the mound grew when word went around that he had started rehab pitching sessions.

The 25-year-old came over to Atlanta in a three-team trade between the Los Angeles Dodgers (his previous team) and the Miami Marlins which saw the Braves sending LHPs Alex Wood and Luis Avilan, RHPs Jim Johnson and Bronson Arroyo, and at-the-time top prospect IF Jose Peraza to LA.

More from Tomahawk Take

The Braves also received IF Hector Olivera and RHP prospect Zachary Bird from the Dodgers, who are both long gone and a draft pick from the Marlins which was used on LHP prospect Joey Wentz.

When Rodriguez came over to the Braves, he was at the time injured and end up undergoing Tommy John surgery in September. In early December, the Braves and Rodriguez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $657,500.

The Braves had high hopes for Rodriguez to recover and become a vital role in the bullpen. However, with what they saw in his performance in spring and feeling that he wasn’t ready to contribute, the team decided to move on. Rodriguez’s spring stats consist of a 2.25 ERA in four innings pitched, while striking out two. He also has one win (for those that are interested).

Many fans, including myself, had hoped he would make a comeback and help the bullpen but it looks like it won’t be happening soon, at least with the Braves. What’s confusing is apparently he still has options and the Braves could’ve easily sent him to AAA.

Could there have been something going on behind the scenes??  Possibly…


They could just like left-handed relief pitcher Kevin Chapman more.

A Little More About Him.

With the Dodgers, Rodriguez was one of their more effective relievers. In those four seasons, he had a combined 2.53 ERA that included two saves. His pitching style was quite unique where his arm extends straight and the ball is almost covered by his head and is then flung towards the plate. His arsenal mainly consists of a slider, a cutter, and a sinker which occasional change-ups.

One of the first things I saw about him was a video the Dodgers produced of him visiting the restaurant Portos which showed how nice and down-to-earth he is. This was another reason I wanted him to make the team because he seemed like another clubhouse guy that would fit right in with the Braves.

The Braves bullpen competition is one-less (maybe two if you include De La Cruz) and their left-hand options are Ian Krol, Eric O’Flaherty and possibly Kevin Chapman.

Next: Could This Guy Be Our Bench Role Answer

I wish the best for him, hope that he can fully recover and find success with another team. It sucks it won’t be with the Braves, but the team has decided to move on.

Home/Braves News