2035.3: Rodriguez returns from long DL stay

[Rubaboo]

Smiles have been more common around the Aztec clubhouse this season than the two seasons before but one grin stood out from the others on a cool, breezy evening in Huntsville, Alabama. As Armando Rodriguez walked from the team bus into the clubhouse at the Opera House in Huntsville, one couldn't help but notice the sheer joy on his face. "I am thrilled to be back playing baseball again." were the first words out of his mouth to reporters. Aztec brass, no doubt, shares his enthusiasm.

Flash back to May 8th, 2034:
Rodriguez, pitching for the organization's AAA affiliate in Los Cabos, feels a pop in his elbow after releasing a pitch. Immediately he feared the worst, "My arm has been sore for a few days, but I never thought something like this would happen. It's really frustrating, really hard right now. I've been feeling good. We'll just have to see what the doctors say and take it a day at a time. I've come back before, I'll come back again." Rodriguez said at the time. The news was not good. A torn UCL would keep him out of action for a year or so. The organization feared the worst, as Rodriguez has a lengthy history of injuries to his pitching arm. The UCL injury was his 5th trip to the DL for an ailment to his throwing arm, and his 11th left arm injury since he turned pro 5 years before. "We're obviously disappointed for Armando," said Aztec GM Fred Holmes at the time, "Here's a smart kid who works hard and does everything you ask of him, but he just can't find a way to stay healthy. My hope is that he can take it slow with his rehab, get some good rest and come back as strong as ever after this. He can be a key piece for us if he can stay on the mound."

Fast forward to 2035:
Rodriguez missed all of spring training, all of preseason. Every camp, every workout he missed put him further behind the curve. Finally, the day came. "When Dr. Carney cleared me and Mr. Holmes told me I'd be going to Cabo to get some innings, I practically screamed I was so excited. I don't think I've ever packed a bag so fast in my life." Rodriguez's first two starts in AAA went well, he started two games on a tight pitch count and ended up pitching a total of 8 innings allowing only 1 run. Then he got a call he really didn't expect; he was being recalled to Mexico City to start against the Huntsville Phantoms. "We knew we had a 3 game set with the Phantoms in early May and were really hoping to have Armando back in the fold by then." GM Fred Holmes said, "they're obviously a very left-leaning lineup and we figured we could try to set Armando up for success by pitching him in a park and against a lineup where he could really do well." The tale of the tape? 361 days after Armando blew out his elbow in Cabo he took the hill for his first career BBA start. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 earned. He struck out only 1 and walked 3 but still collected the decision in a 5-2 Aztec win. "I'm speechless. What an incredible feeling," Rodriguez was quoted after the game, "My stuff wasn't great but I hit my spots and the guys picked me up out there. It feels great to lift the burden off my shoulders."

Rodriguez has the luxury of being part of a loaded stable of young starters in Mexico City and as such will split time the rest of the way between AAA Los Cabos and Mexico City. Rehab over, eyes turn to the future now. As of his injury, scouts predicted he still had some significant growing to do. His control is still slightly erratic and his sinker still has a tendency to hang instead of diving hard but his time on the DL taught him a few things, "The mental part of my game has never been stronger. There is no doubt in my mind that sitting out for 12 months has given me a unique experience that I would not have otherwise had. My arm feels better than it has in years and I know that I'll be banging on the BBA door this season. I'm excited to get started. Look out BBA!"

[RonCo]

Great story. You've got to root for a guy named "Science Guy."

[bschr682]

Bill Nye is the only science guy. Armando can go pound sand.

[Rubaboo]

Bill Nye is the only science guy. Armando can go pound sand.

#shotsfired

[usnspecialist]

Bill Nye is the only science guy. Armando can go pound sand.

BILL BILL BILL BILL