Right-hander Henry Rodriguez has elected to remain with the Marlins organization rather than electing free agency after being reassigned to minor league camp at the end of Spring Training, tweets Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel (who reported this weekend that the flamethrowing righty was weighing his options). He had signed a minor league deal with Miami back in January.
Rodriguez's blistering velocity has tantilized many organizations throughout his professional career, but he's never been able to consistently command his fastball, thus leading to a great deal of walks. Though he posted a 4.09 ERA in 22 innings last season, the 27-year-old Rodriguez struck out just 12 and walked 20. Throughout his career, he's averaged 9.1 K/9 but 6.2 BB/9 to go along with a scintillating 98 mph average on his fastball.
Rodriguez will look to eventually work his way into a big league bullpen that will open the season consisting of closer Steve Cishek along with A.J. Ramos, Mike Dunn, Carlos Marmol, Dan Jennings, Brad Hand and Kevin Slowey.
