What is going on with Yariel Rodriguez?

Rodriguez, a Cuba native who previously pitched in NPB, signed a five-year contract with a $32MM guarantee last offseason.

Rodriguez started all 21 appearances during his first big league season. He posted a 4.47 ERA over 86 2/3 frames.

Rodriguez punched out 23.1% of batters faced but walked nearly 11% of opponents. He missed six weeks with back inflammation and was optioned on and off the active roster a few times.

Rodriguez made eight appearances with Triple-A Buffalo, where he turned in a 1.33 ERA with a strikeout rate pushing 38%.

After coming off a decent campaign in his first MLB season with the Blue Jays, Rodr�guez seems destined to be a major part of the Jays' pitching staff for 2025.

But even with that, the 27-year-old right-hander has been disappointing so far this spring.

He's allowed six earned runs and three innings of work. He has a 3.00 WHIP, and has allowed five hits and walked four while striking out just three.

The most worrisome part of his struggles has been his lack of command, which was something that popped up from time to time last year.

While Rodriguez is getting streched out as a starter, he's likely begin the season as part of the Blue Jays relief corps thanks to the evolution of Bowden Francis and the addition of Max Scherzer.

However, with bullpen hopefuls such as Easton Lucas, Braydon Fisher, Zach Pop, Anders Tolhurst and even darkhorse Mason Fluharty off to solid starts this spring,

Rodriguez will need to prove that he can be more consistent with his command and control going forward.

Otherwise, his competition could continue to put some added pressure on his shoulders to produce.

The Blue Jays reportedly cannot option Rodriguez to the minors without his approval anymore.