Rodriguez happy to be back in York
R.J. Rodriguez returns to York after pitching for Campeche (Mexican League). John A. Pavoncello file photo.
The York Revolution announced the return of reliever R.J. Rodriguez on Tuesday afternoon. The right-hander returns from pitching in the Mexican League for the Campeche Pirates, where he posted a 3.86 ERA in 11 appearances as the team’s set-up man.
It marked the second year in a row that Rodriguez left the team mid-season to play in the Mexican League only to return a short while later. He was able to come back to York sooner since Campeche missed the playoffs.
Set-up man: I was able to catch up with the right-hander in the Revolution clubhouse prior to Tuesday’s game against Bridgeport. Serving as the closer in York in 2011 and 2012, Rodriguez said he liked experiencing the new set-up role in Campeche.
“It’s still that same mentality,” he said. “I know it’s not the ninth inning, where you know it’s do or die. In the eighth something can happen and you just want to set it up for the closer.”
Revs’ skipper Andy Etchebarren said a few weeks ago that Ricardo Gomez (1.93 ERA, six saves, 22 appearances) will remain the team’s closer even when Rodriguez returned. And Rodriguez understands that.
“I’m the one that kind of up and left the team,” Rodriguez said. “So, roles have to be adjusted. Me coming back doesn’t guarantee anything or doesn’t make me the closer. I just have to work my way into it. I have experience now going in in the eighth.”
Rodriguez had a 2.36 ERA and 11 saves in 26 games earlier this season for York.
