Nivaldo

Rodriguez

The 26-year-old right-hander was once a top prospect in the Astros’ organization, but really struggled in his last few seasons of affiliated minor league ball. He spent the 2023 campaign in the Mexican League where he registered a 2.76 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and an 84/20 K/BB ratio over 94 2/3 innings in his 17 starts. He then made an additional 10 starts in the Venezuelan Winter League. Perhaps a strong season overseas could open some new opportunities for him stateside.

Rodriguez was removed from the Tigers’ 40-man roster last offseason after being claimed off waivers from the Astros. The 25-year-old right-hander made nine relief appearances over two seasons for Houston before being jettisoned last August. He’s been cut loose after posting a lackluster 6.92 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and 49/31 K/BB ratio across 65 innings (19 appearances, 15 starts) this season for Triple-A Toledo.

Rodríguez wasn’t on the Tigers’ 40-man roster, so he didn’t need to be optioned and will spend the rest of the spring in minor-league camp. The 24-year-old righty made four relief appearances last year in the majors with the Astros and posted an underwhelming 5.37 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 44/28 K/BB ratio across 62 innings last year at the Triple-A level.

Rodriguez has gotten cups of coffee in the majors the last two seasons with the Astros and was claimed off waivers by the Tigers in August. He’ll remain with Detroit but is now off the 40-man roster.

The right-hander was designated for assignment on Saturday so that the Astros could add Phil Maton to their roster. Detroit had an available spot open after trading Daniel Norris to Milwaukee. Rodriguez allowed two runs over 7 1/3 innings this season for Houston with three strikeouts and four walks.

Rodriguez was booted from the Astros’ 40-man roster to make room for the call up of rookie outfielder Jake Meyers. The 24-year-old righty allowed two runs on four hits with a 3/4 K/BB ratio across 7 1/3 innings at the major-league level this season.

This likely clears the way for Lance McCullers to return from the injured list, though the Astros haven’t officially announced that move yet. Rodriguez holds a 2.45 ERA and 3/4 K/BB ratio over 7 1/3 innings at the major league level this year.

The Astros were in need of a fresh arm after Brandon Bielak pitched each of the last two games for Houston. Rodriguez has tossed just three innings in the majors this season, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts. The 24-year-old posted a 1.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP so far in Triple-A over 11 frames.

Rodriguez allowed one run over three innings in his lone appearance this season. Kent Emanuel will take his spot in the bullpen.

Rodriguez holds a 7.71 ERA in four relief appearances this season. He’ll be used in low-leverage spots.