The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated struggling starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez for assignment. Rodriguez was having another poor season. After coming off the DL, he continued to struggle, compiling a 6.75 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP in only 26 innings over his six starts.
#Pirates have designated Wandy Rodriguez for assignment.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) May 22, 2014
The Pirates have activated Russell Martin from the DL as he has recovered from his hamstring injury, and consequently made the decision to designate Rodriguez for assignment.
#Pirates activated R.Martin, DFAd Wandy Rodriguez. #Yankees liked Rodriguez when with #Astros as backend SP, need rotation help now (cont)
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) May 22, 2014
With Rodriguez having owned an ERA of 3.48 ERA over 997 innings from 2008-2013, much speculation over potential suitors have surfaced. With the Yankees in desperate need of a starter, Rodriguez could provide be an option in the Bronx. Many teams currently need a starter, so watch for Rodriguez to be moved in the coming days.
Despite suffering from injury for the majority of last season, he was still able to compile some solid numbers. In the 12 starts he managed, he collated a rather impressive 3.59 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. Prior to joining the Pirates, Rodriguez dominated in Houston for eight seasons, gaining the nickname ‘Magic Wand.’
With Rodriguez looking set to be moved, look to see if Rodriguez can regain his magic wand.