The last couple years have been anything but what Endy Rodríguez imagined.
After making his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023, Rodríguez underwent Tommy John surgery in the ensuing offseason and was sidelined for the 2024 season.
The 25-year-old made his anticipated return to the Pirates in 2025 but his second stint in the big leagues didn’t last long.
Rodríguez suffered a finger laceration in a game against the Washington Nationals in the middle of April — an injury that kept him out of action for longer than anticipated. He finally returned to the Pirates at the end of May only to get injured again a few days later.
Rodríguez left in the second inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 6 at PNC Park after making a throw down to second base. Originally placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation, Rodríguez underwent another elbow surgery (ulnar nerve transposition) and was ruled out for the season.
“It was easier because I know the routine and everything, but it was hard because it was about the same injury,” Rodríguez said after requiring another surgery.
After another long rehab process, Rodríguez is back healthy.
“I’m full-go right now,” he said. “Yeah, Full-go. Right now we just taking care of everything.”
One of the biggest questions after a second significant elbow surgery is how his arm strength would be affected. As a prospect, Rodríguez was considered to have an above-average arm and it’s been on display during his brief big-league career with a 27.5% caught stealing rate.
As of now, Rodríguez is confident he hasn’t suffered any ill effects.
“The arm has been solid,” he stated. “So it’s about the same I would say. It’s been pretty consistent.”
Though Rodríguez has bounced around the diamond during his professional career, most of his time has been spent at catcher and he’s not ready to fully trade in his catcher’s mitt for another glove just yet.
Being more cognizant of the strain playing the position can have on his arm, Rodríguez wants to remain behind the plate. When asked what position he’ll play, he said catcher first and followed with wherever else they need him to play.
During his professional career, Rodríguez has appeared in games at catcher, first base, second base and all three outfield positions. Of course, most of his versatility has been on display during his impressive minor-league career.
Rodríguez owns a .292/.381/.503 batting line across seven minor-league seasons with 102 doubles, 16 triples, 53 home runs and 252 RBIs. The native of the Dominican Republic was the winner of the 2022 Pirates’ Honus Wagner Player of the Year award.
But through 75 games with the Pirates, Rodríguez has posted a lowly .210/.276/.311 batting line with 11 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 15 RBI.
With a series of setbacks hopefully behind him for good, Rodríguez is ready to prove that his minor-league success can translate.
“To the big leagues? 100%, Rodríguez said when asked if his offense can translate. “They believe in me and I know that I [performed well after ’22] and when I joined the big league level. For sure.”
Between a better performance offensively and his first in-game reps at catcher since early June, Rodríguez will have plenty to prove this spring and during the 2026 season.
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