Wandy Rodriguez left Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves with either forearm issues or elbow troubles. Rodriguez could only record one out, but he had already given up a run.
So far this season, the Pirates' pitching has been one of the best in the big leagues. With a 3.26 ERA, the Pirates rank third in baseball, while ranking first holding hitters to just .225 batting average and not to mention they rank fifth in strikeouts with 479. Rodriguez was an integral part of this pitching rotation and without his presence, the Pirates might be shopping for some pitching if indeed they are serious about contending in the playoffs.
So far in the year, Rodriguez was 6-3 with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Jeff Locke, A.J. Burnett and Jeanmar Gomez have held it down for the Pirates this season. Burnett leads the team in innings pitched, followed by Locke and then Rodriguez. These three guys have pitched a minimum of 62 innings this season. No other Pirate starter has more than 44, which is the amount of inning Gomez has thrown.
Francisco Liriano has made a couple of starts, but if can't stay healthy, then the Pirates will be in a lot of trouble. Their offense is decent, but their pitching is responsible for their hot start early in the season. The Pirates are once again in the hunt for a playoff appearance. They are 35-24 and in third place in the N.L. Central.
There will be plenty of free agent pitchers available next season, if teams are willing to trade guys like Bronson Arroyo, Josh Johnson or maybe even a Mike Pelfrey, though their numbers aren't amazing, the Pirates could take a look at these pitchers.
Burnett has gone from a burnout in New York to an ace in Pittsburgh. The Pirates' pitching coaches must be proud of what they have been able to do with their pitching staff.
Reports on Rodriguez's injury have yet to be released, as soon as something is available, we will bring you that news. The worst that could happen is Rodriguez, a 34-year-old lefty, needing Tommy John Surgery.
