On Wednesday afternoon, Eduardo Rodriguez did his job on his terms, exactly where he wanted to be.
The Tigers starter allowed two runs in six innings for a win over the Pirates. It continues a career year for the 30-year-old: His 2.96 ERA marks a personal best in eight MLB seasons. Which is exactly why the Tigers wanted to trade him this week and part of why he didn’t want them to.
Detroit tried to broker a deal for Rodriguez on deadline day. But the front office proposed a swap with the Dodgers, one of 10 clubs in the no-trade clause in Rodriguez’s contract, and one for which he declined to waive the clause. Rodriguez cited his desire not to be too far from his Florida-based family. He also spoke more broadly about his appreciation for where he is right now.
