When Eduardo Rodriguez’s name surfaces in MLB trade or signing discussions—especially among Red Sox and Tigers fans—one common narrative emerges: he’s injury-prone. While fan forums like MLB Trade Rumors are known for their blunt takes, there’s a noticeable pattern in the way Rodriguez’s durability is questioned. But is this reputation justified?
A look at his career timeline reveals a series of setbacks, though not always of the same nature—and rarely involving his throwing arm:
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2012: At age 19, he missed one start with an unknown issue.
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2014: A left knee sprain in Double-A cost him over a month.
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2016: A right knee injury during spring training sidelined him until late May.
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2017: A repeat knee subluxation led to another DL stint and rest.
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2018: After dealing with recurring instability, he underwent surgery on the right knee and missed over 6 months. Later that year, he suffered a right ankle sprain from an on-field collision.
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2020: Diagnosed with myocarditis after a COVID-19 infection, he missed the entire shortened season.
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2022: Suffered a ribcage strain, then took personal leave due to family matters, missing over two months.
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2023: Tore the A4 pulley in his left index finger—crucial for grip—leading to more missed time.
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2024: Before even making his Diamondbacks debut, he landed on the 60-day IL with a shoulder strain.
In total, Rodriguez has landed on the injured list 11 times, with only two seasons (2019 and 2021) considered fully healthy. While his arm has largely avoided serious injury, the accumulation of knee, ankle, rib, finger, and now shoulder issues—combined with personal leave and post-COVID complications—has clearly affected both his availability and performance.
Rodriguez has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy (notably in 2019), but each return from injury has often been followed by less effective outings. As he enters his 30s and continues his multi-year deal with Arizona, there’s a growing concern: will these injuries keep piling up?
Still, as some writers and fans remind us, it’s worth noting—his current absence is not due to an arm injury.
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