Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez will not return this year

The Boston Red Sox ace has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2020 MLB season

Back in spring training, Eduardo Rodriguez was slated to be the team’s Opening Day starter due to Chris Sale requiring Tommy John surgery. Plans changed once the coronavirus pandemic struck the United States. During summer camp, Rodriguez tested positive for COVID-19.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Rodriguez will not play for the Red Sox this season as he tries to make a full recovery from a heart issue stemming from the coronavirus.

Rodriguez dealing with heart issue

As we’ve all learned during the pandemic, the coronavirus has a different effect on everyone. For some, it’s a fever or flu-like symptoms. For others, it’s even more serious, such as having shortness of breath.

For Rodriguez, the coronavirus caused him to develop myocarditis, which is the inflammation of the heart muscle. Doctors told Rodriguez that 10-20% of individuals who contract COVID-19 develop myocarditis. While his heart is functioning normally, his condition hasn’t improved. This is how dangerous the coronavirus can be.

MLB is having troubles of their own with the virus. The Miami Marlins initially had a handful of players test positive for COVID-19, but chose to play this past Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Now, the headcount reached 18 Marlins players as of this writing. Additionally, the St. Louis Cardinals had more than five players test positive for the coronavirus.

Whatever you can do, please wear a mask and socially distance when possible. The virus is not picky in terms of hosts, and it could create some serious long-term health issues.

We wish Rodriguez a speedy recovery.