Colorado Rockies reportedly ink Dereck Rodriguez to deal

The Colorado Rockies have reportedly added to their pitching depth by signing former San Francisco Giants pitcher Dereck Rodriguez to a deal.

Announced on Twitter by his agent, Rodriguez has reportedly signed a deal with the Colorado Rockies that includes an invitation to spring training. Financial terms and the length of the contract, as well as other additional details, were not disclosed. Additionally, as of the time of this writing, the Rockies have not confirmed the signing.

The 28-year-old right-hander made his Major League debut with the Giants on May 29, 2018, at Coors Field against the Rockies. Coming in in relief, Rodriguez threw 3.1 innings and allowed five hits but only one earned run. He struck out four and walked one in his initial MLB appearance, part of a first season that saw him go 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 21 games (19 starts).

Rodriguez, who is the son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez, has mentioned in the past that he is comfortable pitching at Coors Field. His numbers reflect that as he has allowed just one home run in 61 plate appearances to Rockies batters at 20th and Blake. As a team, the Rockies slashed .259/.295/.448 against Rodriguez in Denver.

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In his career, Rodriguez is 12-15 with a 4.27 ERA and WHIP of 1.315 in 51 games (35 starts). He is coming off a 2020 campaign where he pitched in just two games (both relief efforts) and was blasted for 10 hits and six runs in four innings of work.

So what does this mean for the Rockies? It adds depth to their starting pitching and gives Rodriguez a chance to push for a spot in the back end of the bullpen that was buoyed last year by German Marquez, Kyle Freeland, and Antonio Senzatela. Jon Gray is slated to return in 2020 from his right shoulder injury and Ryan Castellani will once again compete for the starting job he earned last season. Ryan Rolison is also likely in the mix to compete for a rotation spot, as is Chi Chi Gonzalez if the Rockies decide to keep him after a season where he posted a 6.86 ERA in four starts.

Rodriguez gives the Rockies depth to start, and it could become more depending on his spring performance.