From Polar Park to ALCS, Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez has been focused this season

BOSTON — The road to the American League Championship Series for the Red Sox began at Polar Park in Worcester. 

As much as that notion seems like a stretch, a champagne-drenched Eduardo Rodriguez is proof his road back to success started with a brief stint at the team’s alternate site last April.

On Monday, he helped guide the Red Sox to a 6-5 walk-off victory against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the American League Divisional Series at Fenway Park.

“Outstanding,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of his starter’s performance.

Rodriguez worked five innings and allowed two runs on three hits with zero walks and six strikeouts. He held the Rays scoreless through four innings and retired the first nine batters he faced. Even though he was dealt a no-decision, his outing proved crucial, especially given everything he’s dealt with the last two seasons.

More:Red Sox eliminate Rays in another walk-off, advance to ALCS

The southpaw began the season on the Red Sox’ injured list with left elbow inflammation, or better known as dead arm. It wasn’t the news the Red Sox wanted to hear to start 2021, especially after he missed the entire 2020 season due to myocarditis. The club wasn’t about to take any chances, so he was sent to the alternate site at Polar Park.

While in Worcester on April 2, Rodriguez made history by becoming the first pitcher to ever toe the rubber at the new home of the WooSox when he tossed a three-inning simulated game. It was a beautiful day at the ballpark, and he showed no ill effects during his outing.  

Rodriguez was all business that day at Polar Park. Once he completed his rehab outing, he quickly exited the ballpark and made his way back to Boston where his teammates were enjoying Opening Day at Fenway Park. Of course, he bought dinner for the Triple-A players before he left Worcester.

His desire to return to Boston had everything to do with being a good teammate.

“It meant a lot,” he said. “After everything I went through last year, and to have an opportunity to be here on Opening Day this year was really special for me. Everything I went through this year, the bad start, the ups and downs, to have the opportunity to be here today is something really special.”

The fact that Rodriguez was back from Worcester and in the dugout for Opening Day at Fenway did not go unnoticed.

“They love him in that clubhouse,” Cora said. “He’s been here for a while. He’s been through a lot as a player with his injuries and last year with his health. He’s one of the favorites. He’s grown to become a leader, too. You see the way he goes about his business, the way he approaches the game, the way he prepares now physically. You see the difference.” 

Some questioned Cora’s decision to go with Rodriguez in Game 4, and most thought the left-hander would only work a couple of innings. Well, the lefty had other thoughts. At the most opportune moment, Rodriguez rebounded from a tough start in Game 1 of the series and helped Boston to a clinching victory in Game 4.

“Eddie was great,” Cora said. “I’m very, very happy for him. Everybody knows what happened last year, and the ups and downs of this season, and for him to go out there and give us a chance to win, it means a lot.”

Rodriguez exited Game 4 of the ALDS Monday night at Fenway Park to a standing ovation. He tipped his cap. It was vindication for a long season that began in the Canal District. Now, it’s onto the ALCS thanks in part to another gutsy pitching performance.

“He was amazing tonight,” Cora said.

—Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey