Eduardo Rodriguez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) is nearing a return. On Friday, the southpaw was able to log 4 2/3 innings (73 pitches) with Arizona's ACL affiliate. This was a promising sign to see Rodriguez take on a larger workload and not face any setbacks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be cleared to return from the 15-day injured list as early as next week. Before his injury, the 32-year-old logged 44 2/3 innings to the tune of a high 7.05 ERA with a 1.70 WHIP. During this stretch, he struck out 52 batters but held a modest 8.5% walk rate. Under the hood, he generated a 4.38 xERA, which suggests he should see some positive regression. When he returns, Ryne Nelson is expected to shift to a relief role.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday after he threw three innings and 55 pitches in a simulated game over the weekend. Rodriguez has recovered quickly after landing on the 15-day injured list on May 15 with inflammation in his left shoulder, and if his bullpen session goes well on Tuesday, he may skip a minor-league rehab assignment entirely and rejoin Arizona's starting rotation when he's eligible to come off the IL on Saturday. When he returns, though, fantasy managers will want to be picky with how they use the 32-year-old veteran southpaw. Before getting injured, E-Rod had allowed four runs or more in four of his last five starts. Overall, it's been tough sledding for Rodriguez with a 7.05 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in his nine starts covering 44 2/3 innings.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez was roughed up by the Dodgers on Friday, allowing eight earned runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out only three batters in 2 2/3 innings of work before being chased from the game, which resulted in a 14-11 win for Los Angeles. The southpaw began the year with a 4.40 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 22.0 percent K-BB% over five starts but has had to go through a three-game gauntlet against the Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers, during which time he's posted a 14.25 ERA, 2.58 WHIP, and an 8.8 percent K-BB%. The 32-year-old will take on the Giants in San Francisco in his next turn through the rotation, and although they've been surprisingly good this year, the Giants are in the bottom third of the league in terms of batting average against left-handed pitchers, so there is hope that Rodriguez can turn things around. Season-long fantasy managers may want to avoid him, though, until he shows he's back on track.