The Braves announced this morning that they have selected the contract of right-hander Dereck Rodriguez. Left-hander Jared Shuster was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Rodriguez on the active roster, while lefty Dylan Lee was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Rodriguez on the 40-man roster.
Rodriguez, 31, joined the Braves earlier this year when he was claimed off waivers from the Twins. He appeared in two games with the club earlier this season, posting 2 2/3 scoreless innings during that time, but was designated for assignment after the club acquired left-hander Taylor Hearn in late July. Shortly thereafter, Rodriguez accepted an outright assignment to remain in the Braves organization. In 44 2/3 innings of work with the club’s Triple-A affiliate this season, the right-hander has posted an ugly 6.45 ERA with a 21.1% strikeout rate against a 9.5% walk rate.
Rodriguez’s career in the big leagues began in 2018 as a member of the Giants. The then-26-year-old hurler pitched well in his rookie season, with a 2.81 ERA and 3.73 FIP in 21 games (19 starts) with San Francisco. Unfortunately, Rodriguez has struggled ever since that strong debut, with a 5.68 ERA and 6.04 FIP in 114 innings of work at the big league level since the start of the 2019 season. While it seems unlikely Rodriguez will return to the production he generated in his rookie season, he could nonetheless help a beleaguered Braves bullpen that has posted a 5.64 ERA since the start of September.
Shuster’s up-and-down role as a spot starter this season continues as he’s optioned back to Triple-A following his start against the Marlins yesterday. The 25-year-old has struggled to a 5.64 ERA in 52 2/3 innings of work (11 starts) this season, but figures to continue to act as starting depth for the Braves going forward. As for Lee, the lefty was placed on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation earlier this week. The injury was already expected to render him shut down until the 2024 campaign, so his move to the 60-day IL is entirely procedural.
Okay, now put Jared Shuster away for good this time. He has been terrible in both AAA and the majors this year. Try again next year. Or don’t.
I was just about to edit by post below with the same statement. I didn’t realize he has been just as awful in AAA too. The fact he is a top prospect says a lot about the Braves farm.
I guess the Braves see something in him. It’s just not happening this year. He had good successs in the minors prior to this year but he’s taken a step back. Not a lot of strikeouts anymore. Maybe he’s tipping his pitches?
I wouldn’t be upset if I never saw him on the big league club again.
It’s amazing the Braves have already won 95 games with no reliable #5 all season. Then again, Acuna playing like a superstar helps. Thankfully, the Braves can survive with a 4 men rotation in the playoffs. Just hope the Braves are never in a situation where they have to use Raisel Iglesias to close.
Acuna has played like a superstar for most of his career. Even the one down season he had..and it’s now apparent it was because of his injury despite that you insisted it wasn’t.. was still a little above league average.
My modern standards, I guess people can argue that. Reality though, he wasn’t. He struck out a ton, was caught stealing a ton, lackadaisical defensively and on the bases, etc. This year, he improved at every skill possible in the sport, making him the legit superstar of the league.
Enough with Shuster please, it is always a bullpen game when he pitches. Braves fans want to see Vines get another shot, I still don’t understand why he was placed on the bullpen and sent down
Atlanta sent Vines down to get fresh bullpen arm. Because of him being sent down and mlb rules he has to stay down for at least 15 days which means he can’t come back up till at least 9/25.
Atlanta is just looking to rest pitchers right now. Prior before when Vines was sent down the Braves were trying bullpen pieces out. Vines most likely won’t get a post season start so seeing what a bullpen arm could do if needed in post season could be huge.
The should see what Grant Holmes can do.
This starter shuffling is mind numbing. Apparently it has worked though. Only 1 more year of Max Fried and I don’t see the Braves paying him 30 million a year.
(1) I don’t understand why they keep shoehorning the same randoms into the rotation. Why did Shuster need 11 starts when he has had one good start all the way back on May 21? That was his only start where he struck out more hitters than innings pitched.
(2) I guess they are using these starts to see what they have available this year and for next year. That way they can address needs in the off-season if these players haven’t shown them with they are looking for.
Son of Pudge
he should have become a catcher. he had the right mentor for it
Good for Dereck, Son of Pudge. Hopefully, he’ll start a game against the Phillies.
Rodriguez tossed two innings today. He allowed 3 inherited runners to score. Then gave up 8 of his own all earned to the marlins.
Which is why I hope he’ll start a game against the Phillies.