Richard Rodriguez

Richard Agustin Rodriguez

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 205 lb.

• Debut September 2, 2017

• Born March 4, 1990 in Santiago, Santiago D.R.

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Richard Rodriguez was originally signed by the Houston Astros on April 20, 2010. In 2015, he was purchased by the Baltimore Orioles, with whom he first reached the majors in September of 2017, putting up an ERA of 14.29 in 5 games. He then became a free agent after the season and was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It was with the Pirates that his career really took off. In 2018, he was one of the team's most effective relievers, going 4-3, 2.47 in 63 outings, with 88 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings. In 2019, he went 4-5, 3.72 in 72 games and recorded his first career save. In 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic limited the season to 60 games and the Pirates had a terrible record, limiting his save opportunities. Still, he had another very good season, going 3-2, 2.70 with 4 saves in24 games. He also had a great K/W ratio of 34/5 in 23 1/3 innings. In 2021, he was the closer for a much improved Pirates team, matching his career save total by the first week of May. On May 4th, he completed a "reliever perfect game" as he retired his 27th consecutive batter, then pushed it to 28 dating back to an appearance on April 12th.

Before the start of the 2022 season, he was handed an 80-game suspension for testing positive for boldenone, a banned performance-enhancing substance.

Notable Achievements

• Won one World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 (he did not play in the World Series)

Related Sites

• Richard Rodriguez on mlb.com