Eddy

Rodriguez

Three transactions in four days for Rodriguez, who was sent down on Saturday and recalled on Sunday after LaTroy Hawkins went on the bereavement list. He pitched in both games while he was on the roster, allowing six runs in three innings.

The moves creates a 40-man roster spot for James Hoey. Rodriguez’s success has translated into the majors yet, but he has a 1.79 ERA in Triple-A this season and he just turned 25 this month. He has the stuff to eventually develop into a useful reliever, so we doubt he’ll clear waivers.

Rodriguez had a 5.01 ERA in three months with the Orioles before being sent down two weeks ago. He’ll rejoin the pen.

Rodriguez’s major league career had got off to a nice start, but he had posted an 8.82 ERA in 11 appearances since the break, raising his ERA from 2.52 to 5.01. He still figures to be back next month.

Rodriguez and Rakers ended last season as strong candidates to have spots in this year’s pen, but then the Orioles signed Steve Kline, Steve Reed and Jay Witasick and chose not to trade Jorge Julio or any of their young starters. As a result, both will spend more time in Triple-A.

Rodriguez was rather well regarded a year ago. In fact, he spent four months in the majors in 2004 while the superior Aaron Rakers continued to dominate Triple-A hitters. He still has a chance to be a decent middle reliever, though probably nothing more, and he’s going to need better command to get there.

Rodriguez may have entered the mix for a place in Baltimore’s bullpen by allowing just one hit in 5 2/3 scoreless innings this spring. Unfortunately, command remains a problem. He’s walked five and struck out eight.

Rodriguez hadn’t pitched so well lately, but he still had posted a 1.47 ERA in 36 2/3 innings for Ottawa. The Orioles will try him again in middle relief.

The Orioles will keep carrying Russ Ortiz. Rodriguez made just two appearances in his two weeks with the Orioles, allowing five runs -- three earned -- in 5 1/3 innings.