Yariel Rodriguez drew a crowd to her first pitching session at the Toronto Blue Jays complex on Monday.
There were, among others, pitching instructor Pete Walker and manager John Schneider. The sound of Rodriguez’s fastball arriving in the catcher’s glove was distinct, accompanied by approving nods.
“There’s a lot of material there,” Schneider said of the right-hander. His repertoire is really good. Breaking ball, fastball, fork ball. It was nice to see him in action. »
The 26-year-old Cuban, who agreed to a five-year, $32 million contract earlier this month, has experience as a starter and reliever in Cuba and Japan. Rodriguez hopes to earn a spot in the rotation, but we could also bet on him starting out of the bullpen.
As a reliever in 2022, Rodriguez had a 6-2 record and 1.15 ERA with the Chunichi Dragons of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. In 54 2/3 innings, he had 60 strikeouts and allowed 18 walks.
Rodriguez estimates he’s at 75% shape, having played little in 2023. “I’ve always loved being a starting pitcher, that’s what I am,” Rodriguez said.
At last year’s World Baseball Classic, Rodriguez was scoreless in two starts for Cuba. He posted a 2.45 ERA in seven 1/3 innings, with 10 strikeouts and six walks.
Rodriguez did not return to his Japanese team after the Classic — he sat out the remainder of the year, in anticipation of becoming a free agent.
“He has several tools,” Walker said. He has just about every throw you can think of. It has a slight hesitation in its mechanics. There’s some interesting material, certainly. »
“You just have to tweak it a little bit and find out what’s going to work best at the major league level. »
Toronto’s rotation includes Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi. Alek Manoah has a good chance to be number 5, but we’ll consider Rodriguez, Bowden Francis, Mitch White or Ricky Tiedemann.
The Jays will open the Grapefruit League on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies. They will begin the regular season on March 28 in St. Petersburg.
“Obviously I would like to be a starter,” Rodriguez said. But I’m here to work hard, give 100% and whatever the team decides, I’ll be ok with it. »
Many position players including Vladimir Guerrero arrived at camp Monday for physical exams.
Guerrero was recently awarded $19.9 million in arbitration for 2024. He seemed in good spirits while chatting with teammates and instructors before taking batting practice.
“He did a lot of work. He looks good and he looks very well prepared, Schneider said. That’s what really good players do. They take responsibility during the off season and [arrivés au camp], they are ready. »
Guerrero is expected to hold a press briefing on Tuesday.