Seattle Mariners’ Wandy Rodriguez likely for Opening Day game – MLB News
As the Major League Baseball regular season nears, the race for the Houston Astros’ Opening Day starter is intensifying. While there are a lot of serious contenders to get their names slated for the April 6 game, Wandy Rodriguez appears to be the favourite.
The left-handed pitcher is replete with anticipation and force to prove his worth in the game against Colorado Rockies. The chances are that he gets the opportunity to go ahead with it.
Interestingly, if Rodriguez is indeed named for the game at Minute Maid Park on April 6, he will be the first lefty pitcher for the Astros to have an Opening Day start since 1974 when Dave Roberts started.
There is a strong reason why he is being considered a favourite contender. The fact stands unchallenged that he has remained an important part of the club’s defence, serving the team for last eight years.
Similarly, since Brett Myers has been slated as the closer, only Rodriguez emerges with the strong chances for the slot.
However, much as Rodriguez appears set to be throwing on the Opening Day, there are some problems that he has to deal with. The player seems to have some back tightness, as the team manager Brad Mills commented.
"We're dealing with the situation with his back tightness and so forth right now, and we're hoping to be able to get that all taken care of so we don't have to worry about that," Astros’ manager Brad Mills said. "He's got to be considered very heavily."
For Rodriguez, while everyone wants to start on Opening Day, it will be an honour to get the opportunity. "That would be great," he said. "Every game is important, but everybody wants to start Opening Day."
There is a divergence of opinions on the Opening Day starter with the fans. However, as was said earlier, Rodriguez remains the name that the club is seriously considering due largely to his experience.
It is to be seen on Opening Day who gets the chance to throw against the Rockies. If it is Rodriguez, he will certainly be one of the best choices available to the club.
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