Yariel Rodriguez will enter Spring Training as a starter
Photo credit: https://www.sportsillustrated.com
Yariel Rodriguez will enter Spring Training as a starting pitcher.
After the Blue Jays signed Max Scherzer to a one-year deal, many assumed Rodriguez would shift to the bullpen, with Bowden Francis sliding into the fifth spot in the rotation.
However, General Manager Ross Atkins has confirmed that's not the case. Rodriguez will compete for a starting job.
He'll come in stretched out and compete for that fifth spot. He'll remain depth for us, and we'll make a decision about halfway or three-quarters of the way through Spring Training to try to put our pieces in the best positions to be successful. - Ross Atkins on Yariel Rodriguez
That said, Francis had an outstanding second half and seems to be the favourite entering camp.
A six-man rotation to start the season is possible, but unlikely.
Rodriguez also can't be optioned to the minors this year, meaning he'll have to remain on the major league roster.
So, while Rodriguez will prepare as a starter, he's still likely to begin the 2025 season in the bullpen.
