Sports
Why Red Bull isnât worried about Isack Hadjarâs Miami GP disaster
Yahoo Sports
MLBFeature
How Eduardo Rodriguez is making a case to be the D-Backs ace this season
TL;DR
Eduardo Rodriguez is emerging as the ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, despite entering 2026 with uncertainty about his role. His performance has significantly shifted the narrative around his contributions to the team.
Key points
- Eduardo Rodriguez is becoming the ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- He entered the 2026 season with uncertainty about his role.
- Previous uneven seasons clouded his contributions.
- His performance has shifted the narrative around the team.
Eduardo RodriguezArizona DiamondbacksPittsburgh Pirates
May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
PHOENIX âEduardo RodrĂguez didnât enter the 2026 season with the expectation of becoming the unquestioned ace of the Arizona Diamondbacksâ rotation. Two uneven seasons and instability clouded both his role and the clubâs trajectory.
However, that conversation has now shifted â and drastically.
Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57)delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
RodrĂguez has emerged as not just the most reliable arm on the pitching staff, but a pitcher producing ace-like numbers that have helped the D-Backs stay in the National League West race. This season, the southpaw is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP through 39.2 innings, along with 29 strikeouts.
Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the left-hander allowed just two hits over seven innings, striking out seven while walking three.
Those numbers, while not league-leading, represent a stabilizing presence in a rotation that has lacked consistency this season. RodrĂguez owns the lowest ERA among starters, and opponents are hitting just .213 against him. He hasnât just been reliable â heâs been dominant through seven outings this year.
Q&A
What has changed for Eduardo Rodriguez in the 2026 MLB season?
Eduardo Rodriguez has transformed from a player with uncertain status to being considered the ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks due to his strong performances.
How did Eduardo Rodriguez's previous seasons affect his role with the Diamondbacks?
Rodriguez's two uneven seasons created instability regarding his role, leading to doubts about his position in the Diamondbacks' rotation.
What impact is Eduardo Rodriguez having on the Diamondbacks' rotation?
Rodriguez's current performance is significantly enhancing the Diamondbacks' pitching rotation, positioning him as a key player for the team's success.
Why is Eduardo Rodriguez considered the ace of the Diamondbacks now?
His recent performances have established him as the leading pitcher in the rotation, changing perceptions about his capabilities and importance to the team.
