How Eduardo Rodriguez is making a case to be the D-Backs ace this season
May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images PHOENIX –Eduardo Rodríguez didn’t enter the 2026 season with the expectation of becoming the unquestioned ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rotation. Two uneven seasons and instability clouded both his role and the club’s trajectory.
However, that conversation has now shifted — and drastically. Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57)delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images Rodríguez has emerged as not just the most reliable arm on the pitching staff, but a pitcher producing ace-like numbers that have helped the D-Backs stay in the National League West race.
This season, the southpaw is 3-0 with a 2. 50 ERA and a 1. 29 WHIP through 39.
2 innings, along with 29 strikeouts. Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the left-hander allowed just two hits over seven innings, striking out seven while walking three. Those numbers, while not league-leading, represent a stabilizing presence in a rotation that has lacked consistency this season.
Rodríguez owns the lowest ERA among Arizona starters, and opponents are hitting just . 213 against him. He hasn’t just been reliable — he’s been dominant through seven outings this year.