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The Boston Red Sox traded left-handed reliever Andrew Miller to the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon. In exchange, the Sox will receive left-handed pitching prospect Eduardo Rodriguez. Here's a report.
Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP: Rodriguez was signed by the Orioles in 2010 from Venezuela. He had a solid 2013 season with a combined 3.41 ERA with a 129/45 K/BB in 145 innings between High-A Frederick in the Carolina League and Double-A Bowie in the Eastern League. Returned to Bowie for 2014, he's had some struggles with a 4.79 ERA, 93 hits in 83 innings with a 69/29 K/BB ratio for the Baysox.
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Rodriguez is a 6-2, 200 pound lefty born April 7, 1993. He's been clocked as high as 95, works at 90-93, and features a slider and changeup to go with the fastball. He's not generally overpowering and he's had a lot of trouble with right-handed hitters this year, who are batting .310 against him. Lefties are much less successful at .186. This seems to reflect good cutting action with his fastball and slider, but he needs another weapon to use against right-handers.
Scouts see Rodriguez as a potential number three starter. If he can't solve right-handers he would still fit nicely in the bullpen.
ANALYSIS: Rodriguez's stock is down a little this year but he's just 21 years old and has time to work out the kinks. He adds another live arm to the rich Boston farm system. This is another trade that works for both teams, the Orioles cashing in a future chip for short-term boost in a competitive division, with the Red Sox looking to work past a lost season and invest in the future.
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