Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez is generating optimism during spring training after ending last season on a stronger note, crediting his improved fitness and a refined curveball for his late surge. In his spring debut on Thursday in Scottsdale, Rodriguez delivered two scoreless innings with his fastball velocity ticking up to an average of 93.1 mph, surpassing last year’s 92 mph.
I was so excited when I saw the first five outs were on ground balls,
Rodriguez said.
I saw a 95 mph so I was really excited by that.
Offseason Efforts Bolster Conditioning and Pitch Development
Rodriguez revealed that he lowered his weight from 255 pounds at the start of last season to 232 this offseason, working extensively on his mechanics and conditioning. This physical transformation aims to set a foundation for a more consistent and effective season in 2026.
I’ve been working this offseason on my body, lost some weight, been working in the bullpen on my mechanics and everything, and so far, so good,
he stated.
Midway through last season, Rodriguez began introducing a true curveball into his repertoire, increasing its frequency as the campaign progressed. This new pitch quickly showed its value with better opponent contact results compared to his slider.
I was getting weak contact and swing-and-miss,
he explained.
After that we’ve been talking about it. … When it looked like a slider, I didn’t get swings, they were just taking it. On the ones that looked like a curveball and I had good numbers on vertical and horizontal, those are the ones that got weak contact and swing-and-miss against lefties.
Statistics highlight the difference: hitters recorded a 92.3 mph exit velocity against Rodriguez’s slider last year with a 21.1% whiff rate, whereas the curveball, thrown only 94 times, yielded an 88 mph exit velocity and a 23.8% whiff rate. While the curve is still developing to achieve consistent vertical break, Rodriguez is closing the gap.
Contract Expectations and Team Dynamics Enter a Crucial Phase
After signing a four-year, $80 million contract post-2023 season, Rodriguez’s performance so far has fallen short of expectations. His struggles in the first half of last year were evident with a troublesome 5.94 ERA before the All-Star break, although he improved to a 4.01 ERA in the latter half and posted a 3.38 ERA in September.
This upcoming season carries added importance for Rodriguez as the Diamondbacks aim to stretch out their starting rotation while waiting for ace Corbin Burnes to return midyear. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds Merrill Kelly’s readiness due to a back injury, heightening the need for Rodriguez to provide reliable innings in the early schedule’s difficult stretch.
He’s come into this camp really ready to go,
manager Torey Lovullo reflected.
It’s very noticeable. Trying to land certain pitches in certain places, he’s very specific about his work. … He’s trying to land a different shape breaking ball right now and it looks really good.
Preparation for World Baseball Classic and Upcoming Appearances
Rodriguez plans to make his next mound appearance in an exhibition game representing Team Venezuela as he gears up for the World Baseball Classic, which commences on March 5. Venezuela will compete in a pool that includes the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, the Netherlands, and Israel.
Updates from Diamondbacks-Royals Game and Player Development Notes
The Diamondbacks showcased strong hitting during a 13-10 win over the Royals, highlighted by shortstop Jose Fernandez’s go-ahead, three-run homer. At just 22 years old and on the 40-man roster despite no Triple-A experience, Fernandez has hit two home runs, a double, and a triple in 16 spring at-bats.
He’s been coming on strong from the first month of last season,
Lovullo said.
We know there’s still more growing he needs to do but driving baseballs the way he is … we know he’s been coming on quick and we’re paying a lot of attention to him.
Additional offensive contributors included Tommy Troy, who recorded two doubles and is hitting .538 this spring, and Druw Jones, who also doubled. Alek Thomas hit a 106 mph single and maintains a .500 batting average throughout spring training.
With multiple players departing soon for the World Baseball Classic, including Dominican athletes Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Carlos Santana traveling to Miami, younger players will be given increased opportunities to prove themselves in the lineup. Manager Lovullo also noted the team’s approach to developing Lawlar’s versatility:
We haven’t yet got him to get those reps at shortstop, but we will at some point.
Challenges with Replay Reviews and Future Game Preparations
The Diamondbacks experienced setbacks with replay challenges in a recent game, losing two decisions that impacted the outcome. Catcher Gabriel Moreno lost a challenge on a ball call which led to an RBI single by Kansas City’s Jac Caglianone, while Alek Thomas lost a challenge on a strikeout call in the sixth inning.
I didn’t love it, but I trust he knew how big the circumstance was where we lost our second one, so we’ll talk about it,
Lovullo said, emphasizing the need to improve decision-making in such critical moments.
Looking ahead, Ryne Nelson is scheduled to pitch against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria on Friday night, following a successful live batting practice session by Brandon Pfaadt that garnered positive remarks from the manager.
Eduardo Rodriguez threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut.
E-Rod says coming into camp in better shape and developing the curveball he started using late last season should help him get off to a better start. pic.twitter.com/aSoQbGmsGW
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 27, 2026
