Earlier this month Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez tested positive for COVID-19. Now the Venezuelan born southpaw is experiencing COVID complications as he has been diagnosed with myocarditis - heart inflammation.
Rodriguez, 27, has been shutdown and will rest for a week before undergoing a MRI. Affectionately known as E-Rod, Rodriguez is not planning to opt out of pitching in 2020. However, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Miami Marlins one wonders if this is a moot point.
Originally signed as an international free agent by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010, E-Rod was traded to the Red Sox in July 2014 for relief pitcher Andrew Miller. Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2015 and has been part of the team's starting rotation ever since. After earning a World Series ring in 2018, E-Rod had the best year of his career in 2019 earning 19 wins. Although he led the AL in walks, Rodriguez finished 6th in AL Cy Young balloting. E-Rod becomes a free agent after the 2020 season. In 127 big league appearances (122 of them starts), Rodriguez is 51-31 with a 4.03 ERA striking out 707 batters in 699 innings pitched.
In light of E-Rod's COVID complications and the Marlins COVID-19 outbreak I don't think MLB and the MLBPA should call the whole thing off with a heavy heart.
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