Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Dereck Rodriguez’s brief but memorable run with the Giants is finished.
The Giants’ trade deadline day Monday featured one early subtraction, as the righty they had designated for assignment was claimed by the Tigers, the same team his father, Ivan, starred for from 2004-08.
??⚾️⚾️ @tigers @DereckrodRF3 https://t.co/SaS7i31DYt
— Ivan Pudge Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) August 31, 2020
Dereck Rodriguez, 28, had looked himself like a potential star in 2018, when he was excellent in 21 appearances with the Giants and entered Rookie of the Year conversation, posting a 2.81 ERA.
He never returned to that level, though, shuttling in and out of the majors last year and never getting a rhythm and this year throwing just four innings with the Giants.
The new staff values stuff, believing they can harness and develop it, and Rodriguez has always been a grinder rather than a pitcher who dazzles with velocity or movement.
In his last call-up with the Giants, Rodriguez stumped for Joey Bart, saying the then-Sacramento catcher is “a big-league player, if I could say it.” Rodriguez always has been well-liked by his teammates, supporting them until the end of his run.
He now will go to Tigers’ alternate site and try to build his way up.