Tigers Starter Set To Return Sunday After 3 Month Absence

It's been a long time coming for the Detroit Tigers' big-money offseason pitching addition. After leaving the team two months ago for "personal reasons", then going M.I.A. at one point—the team simply hadn't heard from him for weeks—Eduardo Rodriguez is finally ready to take the mound once again. 

Eduardo Rodriguez will start Sunday for the #Tigers. He has been on the restricted list since June 13. https://t.co/3GbiStF8ZJ

— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) August 17, 2022

Sunday marks Rodriguez's return after a three-month absence. He'll come off the restricted list to start for the Tigers against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels. If Rodriguez wanted to slip back in under the radar, it's not gonna happen with Ohtani as his opponent. 

The 29-year-old left-hander signed a 5-year, $77M free agent deal with the Tigers in the offseason, but thus far has only provided them with eight mediocre starts.

His last appearance was May 18th, which lasted only a third of an inning. He left with a ribcage strain. Overall, he has an ERA of 4.38 with a WHIP of 1.33, and a very inefficient 34:17 K:BB ratio in 39 innings. 

He has, however, looked dominant in his last few minor league rehab starts. 

The Tigers have DFA'd Wily Peralta to make room for Rodriguez.

Photos: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK,  Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports