Tigers pulling E-Rod from WBC after 1 appearance for Venezuela
Eduardo Rodriguez's World Baseball Classic appears to be over, no matter how deep Venezuela goes.
The Detroit Tigers informed Team Venezuela that they're pulling the left-hander from the tournament after his first start Tuesday, Venezuela manager Omar Lopez told reporters, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. Lopez didn't offer a reason for the Tigers' decision, other than noting that it was a mandate from the organization.
Venezuela had lined Rodriguez up to be its starter if it reaches the WBC final March 21. However, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that the left-hander is scheduled to throw for Detroit in Sunday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Washington Nationals, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.
Lopez added that he's planning to speak with the Tigers' front office in hopes of getting an exception for Rodriguez to potentially pitch in the final, per Gonzalez. However, a Sunday start would rule out any hope of a return to the WBC.
Rodriguez allowed one run on seven hits while striking out three in his two-inning start against Nicaragua on Tuesday. By throwing 52 pitches, he's mandated to rest for four days before his next WBC appearance. The earliest he could appear again in the tournament would be in a potential semifinal game on either Sunday or Monday.
The 29-year-old is entering the second season of a five-year, $77-million contract with the Tigers. His first year in the Motor City was a struggle, as he posted a 4.05 ERA and 4.43 FIP over just 17 starts in 2022. Rodriguez also spent time on the injured list and missed an extended portion of his season due to personal matters.
Rodriguez isn't the only Venezuelan star whose WBC playing time is being restricted by the Tigers. The team is also limiting veteran designated hitter Miguel Cabrera's participation going forward, perhaps to as little as one at-bat per game, sources told ESPN's Marly Rivera.
Venezuela moved to 3-0 in the WBC with its 4-1 win over Nicaragua on Tuesday. It's on the verge of advancing past the first round for the first time since 2009.