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Diamondbacks: Fernando Rodney just won’t go away

By Bill Pivetz

Jun 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates a win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Diamondbacks defeated the Phillies 5-4 in 10 innings. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates a win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Diamondbacks defeated the Phillies 5-4 in 10 innings. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney struggled early, but he has settled down and looks good. Can we trust him rest of season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen in 2016 was all over the place. Seven pitchers recorded at least one save. With that inconsistency, the front office signed Mr. Inconsistency himself to take over, Fernando Rodney. Rodney had two different halves last year and looks to be on the same path this season. How can we continue to trust him?

If Rodney put up the numbers he did in April with any other team, he would have been cut. The Texas Rangers pulled the plug on Sam Dyson, the Washington Nationals have a revolving door for their ninth-inning guy. Yet, the Diamondbacks continued to roll out Rodney.

In just 10 innings, Rodney gave up 14 earned runs on 16 hits (two home runs) and seven walks while striking out 13. He entered April with a 12.60 ERA and 2.30 WHIP. He somehow recorded six saves in eight chances.

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I guess the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” applies to Rodney’s performance, too. From May 2 to June 18, his most recent appearance as of this writing, Rodney has a 0.00 ERA with one unearned run allowed with two hits, six walks, 18 strikeouts and 14 saves in 15 opportunities.

The funny, or unfunny if you own him, thing is that Rodney still owns a 4.73 ERA and 1.163 WHIP for the season. But the fact remains, Rodney is ranked No. 3 among relief pitchers on ESPN’s Player Rater over the last 30 days.

Rodney has converted on all seven of his save chances so far this month and is showing no signs of letting up. However, looking at the drop off throughout his career and even just last season has some owners at bay. Other owners are taking a chance.

His ESPN ownership percentage has gone up 10.2 percent over the last week. Yet, he is still available in about 40 percent of leagues.

For the first half of 2016, Rodney was again a top-tier closer but nobody expected it. With the San Diego Padres, he posted a 0.31 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 17 saves in 28.2 innings. He was then traded to Miami and the floor collapsed. In 36.2 innings, Rodney had a 5.89 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and eight saves.

Next: Padres Jose Pirela playing well since call up

Rodney is the monster that just won’t go away. The Diamondbacks continue to stick by him. Maybe it’s because of the lack of viable replacement options or they just believe in him. Regardless, he is getting done so far this summer and is worth the risk.

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