The Spring Opener is just a few days away and now we know who will get the start against the Reds this Saturday. Indians Manager Terry Francona announced after practice on Wednesday that RHP Jefry Rodriguez would toe the rubber for the first time this spring in Cactus League play.
"I think Carl felt like the guy worked so hard, and he did so much and he practically lived out here and it was kind of like a little bit of a reward to show him that, hey we know how hard you worked." said Francona.
Rodriguez had battled shoulder injuires much of last year causing him pitch in only 17 games, 10 of those were with the Indians. He went 1-5 and had an ERA of 4.63.
When asked about how he feels now, he said "I feel okay, I feel okay, I feel more comfortable and ready."
First pitch is set for 3:05pm ET on February 22. Listen to Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus with the call on WTAM 1100 and 106.9 FM.