The 2022 Minor League Pitcher of the Year
While the Brewers 2021 Draft Class was headlined by Sal Frelick, one of many promising Brewers outfield prospects, one fellow member of that draft class has already shown promise worth keeping an eye on. A 6th round draft pick, Carlos Rodriguez won Brewers 2022 Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors.
Last year, across A and A+ levels, Carlos Rodriguez pitched to the tune of a 3.01 ERA in 26 appearances (20 starts). In 107.2 IP, he struck out 129 batters (a great K/9 of 10.83). In the second half of the season when Rodriguez was promoted to A+ Wisconsin, he finished the season with the Timber Rattlers with a 1.98 ERA in seven appearances (all starts). There, he logged 45 strikeouts in 36.1 IP (an even better K/9 of 11.22).
2023 WBC Watch
Carlos Rodriguez is representing Team Nicaragua in the 2023 WBC. While all eyes have been on Sal Frelick’s hitting so far with Team Italy, Rodriguez’ debut performance should not be overshadowed. Rodriguez, at just 21 years old, got the opening start for Nicaragua on Saturday morning (CST). While Puerto Rico ran away with a 9-1 victory over Nicaragua, it was of no fault to Rodriguez. He pitched four innings, allowing just one run on two hits. He struck out four batters on 46 pitches.
During his outing, Rodriguez was a properly executed double play away from not allowing an earned run. While in a first inning pickle, Rodriguez got what should have been a ground ball to end the inning. However, the throw to first base was off the mark and a run scored as a result.
Puerto Rico is on the board first 🇵🇷
📺: WBC on FS2 and the FOX Sports App pic.twitter.com/IGN7oEDIcd
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 11, 2023
What makes his start even more impressive is the fact that he did this against a Puerto Rico lineup that consisted of MLB players such as: Francisco Lindor, Enrique Hernandez, MJ Melendez, Javier Baez, Emmanuel Rivera, Eddie Rosario, and more.
Because of the length of his start, Rodriguez is likely to make at least one more appearance this WBC. He is certainly worth keeping tabs on both throughout this WBC and the years to come.
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