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Endy RodrĂguez has been recalled by the Pittsburgh Pirates after recovering from two arm surgeries, having played only 18 games since the end of the 2023 season. He expressed his excitement about returning to the team and being part of the energy in the clubhouse.
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy RodrĂguez watches a baseball spring training workout Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
PITTSBURGH â The smile on the face of Endy RodrĂguez might have been even bigger than the one the Pittsburgh Pirates have gotten used to seeing.
Two separate arm surgeries have limited the former top prospect to only 18 games since the end of the 2023 season, but RodrĂguez will soon add to that total after being recalled on Tuesday.
âYou canât imagine how excited I am to be here, around the guys, around the energy that we have,â he said outside his locker in the home clubhouse. âItâs one of the greatest things to happen this year.â
The Pirates were in need of a catcher after placing Joey Bart on the 10-day injured list with a left foot infection. The decision came down to RodrĂguez and Rafael Flores Jr., with Pittsburgh opting for the former.
âTough decision between him and [Flores],â Kelly said on choosing RodrĂguez. âHonestly just felt like Endy was a little bit more prepared for how heâs seen a lot of our guys more over the years. The energy and positivity stand out, especially for a guy that has had a really tough two years when it comes to injury bug.â
The 25-year-old had a strong showing in spring training but was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the year so he could get more-regular reps and make up for lost time.
It was a slow start to the season, but RodrĂguez feels more comfortable of late and joins the Pirates in a better spot.
âI was trying to find the best version of myself,â he said of the last couple weeks. âI was doing all the stuff to get back here. Now Iâm back here.â
RodrĂguez hasnât been on the field at PNC Park since a premature exit last season on June 6 in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates, at that time, were all but eliminated from contention.
Endy RodrĂguez recovered from two separate arm surgeries that limited his playtime.
Endy RodrĂguez played only 18 games since the end of the 2023 season.
Endy RodrĂguez was recalled by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.

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This time around, however, RodrĂguez joins a team that enters play on Wednesday four games over .500, and one that has hopes of reaching the postseason. His goal is to do whatever he can to help Pittsburgh get there.
âHelp. Just that,â he simply stated. âTry to help the team however they need.â
With no clear timetable on when Bart will return from the IL, itâs unknown how long RodrĂguezâs stint with the Pirates will be. But for as long as heâs here, the Pirates want to see what theyâve always seen from the backstop.
âThe things we talked about with Endy, the energy, the positivity,â manager Don Kelly said. â[A] switch-hitter that can go up there and provide good at-bats and good defense.â