Nelson

Rodriguez

Rodriguez also walked twice as the RubberDucks cruised to an 8-3 victory over Altoona. The 21-year-old has been a force of nature this year with 36 RBI and a .512 slugging percentage. Of course, Rodriguez’s huge power numbers have come at the expense of his batting average. He’s hitting only .259 while leading the league with 63 strikeouts.

The first baseman suffered the injury during infield drills in between innings. He should be fine to return to game action in a day or two.

Rodriguez suffered a sprained ankle Sunday while fielding throws in between innings of the Indians’ Cactus League victory over the Padres. The young first base prospect is not in line for an Opening Day roster spot.

He also contributed a single and an RBI groundout. Rodriguez is quickly becoming one of the most feared power hitters in the Eastern League. He’s second among EL hitters in home runs (eighth), fourth in slugging percentage (.523) and fifth in RBI (21). Rodriguez took home MVP honors in the Carolina League last season. His batting average has taken a hit in Double-A (.243 in 107 at-bats), but the power’s still there.

Rodriguez was promoted to Double-A Akron on August 11 but he certainly made his mark in the Carolina League before leaving, hitting .275 with 17 homers and 84 RBI in 125 games for High-A Lynchburg. Teammate Clint Frazier joins Rodriguez on the year-end Carolina League All-Star team.