MLB Rumors: Braves prospect pressure, Cardinals target is hurt, Cubs trade grade

MLB Rumors: Eduardo Rodriguez goes down, so Cardinals should look elsewhere

Just a few weeks ago I mentioned Eduardo Rodriguez of the Detroit Tigers as an ideal trade target for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals. That may no longer be the case.

Rodriguez had faired well over his last few outings, giving up just two runs and one run apiece against the Royals and White Sox, respectively. He is pitching like an ace, and should he be healthy, will likely be a target of some lucky contender. E-Rod has a potential opt-out in his contract, as well, though he is scheduled to earn $18 million per season over the next three years if he declines that option.

On Tuesday, Detroit placed Rodriguez on the injured list with a left index finger injury. That might not sound so severe at first, but that is E-Rod’s pitching hand, and any looming issue could impact his performance. It is smart of the Tigers to address it now, well before trade season. Scott Harris could be active trying to find Rodriguez a new home by then should the Tigers fall out of the AL Central race.

For now, though, Detroit is in a weird middle ground. They are a few games under .500, but just two games back of the division-leading Minnesota Twins.

If Harris opts to trade Rodriguez, the Cards could still be a decent suitor. St. Louis needs pitching, and the potential to have Rodriguez beyond this season makes him a more attractive target. St. Louis lacks much high-end starting pitching beyond Miles Mikolas and perhaps Jordan Montgomery. Their farm system has talent, so there’s help on the way, but until then a player like Rodriguez could provide them a decent postseason rotation to win a World Series with this core, if they are lucky enough to make the playoffs at all.