Eduardo Rodriguez a late scratching for WBC final? US pitcher stocks in serious doubt

Under the Miami lights, the World Baseball Classic trophy is just one win away. But on the eve of the final, you could cut the tension in the US team’s dugout with a knife. And the cause of this anxiety is pretty clear to anyone watching: major headaches on the mound.

Everyone’s asking the same question: will their reliable left-hander, Eduardo Rodriguez, actually take the ball for the final against Venezuela on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEST)?

The 'Lalo' dilemma haunting Team USA

Hardcore fans know him simply as 'Lalo'. The left-hander, a Venezuelan native pitching for the US, has been the coaching staff’s most trusted weapon throughout the tournament. His form for the Detroit Tigers is well-documented, and in his previous WBC outings – whether starting or relieving – he’s looked the part, mixing sharp stuff with real composure.

But whispers from the bullpen aren’t good. It appears Eduardo Rodriguez is battling a physical issue. The official line is still typically cagey, but watching his throwing session today, and seeing the worried looks during the coaching huddle, you get the feeling it’s not looking great.

It would be a massive blow. On paper, the US pitching staff looks stacked, but in practice, finding that reliable rhythm has been tricky. If Rodriguez can’t go, or even provide some relief innings, they’d effectively be losing their most experienced postseason arm – the guy you want in the big moments.

More than just the starter: bullpen worries mount

And to make matters worse for fans, these problems seem to be spreading. Besides the uncertainty over Eduardo Rodriguez, word is getting around that the two aces slated for the late innings – Oakland’s Mason Miller and Pittsburgh’s David Bednar – might also be unavailable for the final.

Think about it. Miller’s triple-digit heat, Bednar’s sharp splitter – these are the weapons the US relies on to shut the door. With these three key pieces (starter Lalo, and relievers Miller and Bednar) all potentially sidelined, it’s not just a spanner in the works; it’s throwing the entire pitching plan out the window.

Just look at the list of pitchers potentially missing – it’s a nightmare scenario:

• Starting left-hander: Eduardo Rodriguez (Lalo) — Fitness concern, chances of pitching in the final fading fast.
• Closer candidate: Mason Miller — Long-running talk of arm fatigue, unlikely to unleash his fastball.
• Key setup man: David Bednar — Also under an injury cloud, leaving a massive hole in the 8th inning.

This isn’t how you want to head into a final. It’s adversity city.

Venezuela won't be taking it easy

While the US camp is in damage control, you can bet their opponents aren't feeling sympathetic. Venezuela is a genuine threat, boasting a lineup packed with hardened hitters like Altuve, Arraez, and Perez.

You know they’ll be quietly licking their lips at the sight of a potentially battered and makeshift US pitching staff. A Venezuelan lineup that was already tough to handle now faces a patchwork rotation. It’s a massive advantage for them.

Without Rodriguez, a key weapon against left-handed bats, Venezuela’s lefty hitters become even more dangerous. And without Miller and Bednar to lock down the back end, who do the US turn to in a tight, late-game situation?

Who steps up?

All the pressure now falls on manager Mark DeRosa. He’s got less than 24 hours to formulate a contingency plan. Does he turn to another starter like Merrill Kelly or Kyle Gibson on short rest? Or does he roll the dice with a bullpen game right from the start?

Even the middle-relief guys, wily veterans like Adam Wainwright, might need to be ready to eat up multiple innings. This isn’t about intricate strategy anymore. It’s back to baseball’s basics – whoever can take the ball and throw strikes becomes the hero.

All I can say is, this WBC final hasn’t even started and it’s already dripping with drama. Whether the US can weather this sudden pitching crisis will test not just their skill, but their collective will. And Eduardo Rodríguez, the name on everyone’s lips, looms as the ultimate X-factor over this showdown, whether he takes the mound or not.

Grab your popcorn and a cold one – tomorrow morning’s game is shaping up to be an absolute cracker.