That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies Reliever Joely Rodriguez Bouncing Back From Rough Start

By John Town

Apr 23, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Joely Rodriguez (63) pitches during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Joely Rodriguez (63) pitches during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Joely Rodriguez struggled to start off the season, but the Phillies reliever has turned around his performance as of late.

It’s pretty safe to say that Joely Rodriguez struggled to start the year with the Phillies. The lefty gave up seven runs on ten hits and four walks in his first 5.1 innings. He gave up a home run in three straight outings, yielding an astronomical 42.9% home-run-to-fly-ball rate. The only things keeping Rodriguez in the majors were the fact that Adam Morgan was pitching even worse and that the team needed at least one lefty in the bullpen.

A change was necessary, and Rodriguez made a small one by raising where he holds the ball before he begins his motion. Rather than holding it by his belt, Rodriguez now keeps his hands at shoulder level. While it may not seem like a large difference, it has positively impacted Rodriguez.

Rodriguez told reporters that the change has made him more at ease: [quote via Matt Breen of Philly.com]

More from Phillies News

"“At the beginning of the season, I was uncomfortable,” Rodriguez said after Sunday’s 5-2 win over Atlanta. “This has really helped me a lot. I have more patience to throw the ball with more confidence. I stay more relaxed.”"

The change has reflected in Rodriguez’s numbers as well. In his last seven outings, Rodriguez has given up just two hits with no runs or walks allowed.

He has induced ground balls 70.6% of the time, fueling a .118 batting average on balls in play against Rodriguez during this stretch.

Rodriguez’s recent success has inspired confidence in his manager Pete Mackanin as well: [quote via Tom Ignudo of CSN Philly]

More from That Balls Outta Here

"“Joely has done a great job his last five outings, that’s a real pleasant surprise,” Mackanin said. “We knew that he had the ability to potentially do that. All he has to do with his stuff is throw strikes in the situations that he comes in. And he can be very effective as he should tonight. That’s a real bonus for us.”"

It’s a good thing that Rodriguez has turned his season around because the team doesn’t have many options in terms of left-handed relievers. Morgan has already shown he just can’t cut it at the major-league level, and with Elniery Garcia suspended due to PEDs, there are no other lefties on the 40-man roster.

Unless the team adds someone else like Hoby Milner or Cesar Ramos to the 40-man, it’s Rodriguez or bust in the bullpen.

Next: Will Franco Lead the Phillies Back to Contention?

With Rodriguez seemingly back on track, the Phillies should have a bit more stability in the bullpen when they need to get lefties out late in games. Hopefully, he will be able to sustain this success through a large portion of the season.

Home/Phillies News