Eduardo Rodriguez lasted just 1.2 innings for the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of their ALDS series against the Tampa Bay Rays. While he yielded two runs along the way, it was a peculiar decision made by manager Alex Cora.
Following the 5-0 loss, Cora explained why he pulled the lefty for the Red Sox so early, per Masslive.com.
“The way we were set up we felt like right there we had to contain the game,” Cora explained. “So G-Rich came in and got the out, and Nick (Pivetta) gave us quality innings. It’s not that we mapped it out that way. But we felt that with that lineup and the way they are, that was a moment that we had to stop it right there to get Randy out and then move forward. And we did.”
For what it's worth, Cora does note that it certainly wasn't planned this way for the Red Sox and Garrett Richards did come in and record the final out of the second inning.
Rodriguez wasn't surprised he was yanked so early knowing that the playoffs for the Red Sox are a different beast compared to the regular season.
“My command wasn’t great at all on every pitch,” Rodriguez said. “So I’m not surprised (by Cora’s decision). This is the playoffs. And you’ve got to go out there and do your job. If you don’t do it, you’re coming out of the game.”
The Red Sox will send Chris Sale to the mound on Friday in hopes of evening up the series at 1-1 before it heads back to Boston.
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