“We’re just excited to layer in one more quality starting pitcher” – D-backs manager Torey Lovullo thrilled by Eduardo Rodriguez’s strong season debut

After a lengthy stint on the IL, veteran southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez finally made his triumphant return to the mound. The Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher has been out all year with a lat injury, and now after over 220 days sidelined, E-Rod has shown fans, as well as his new team why he was worth the wait.

The 31-year-old spent the entire season so far working his way back to the MLB and once he was finally activated from the IL, he was given the unenviable task of taking on the Cleveland Guardians. Eduardo Rodriguez may have surprised a few people by deliving 5.2 solid innings against one of the top clubs in the MLB after being out all year.

"The #DBacks are excited to finally have Eduardo Rodriguez in the rotation. @Dbacks" - @MLBNetworkRadio

For Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, he could not have been more excited to have a proven arm such as Rodriguez back on the mound.

"It's been a long runway for him and we’re just excited to layer in one more quality starting pitcher," Lovullo said in a recent interview on MLB Network Radio. "At one point and time, four fifths of our starting rotation.. was out," Lovullo contiuned.

"E-Rod just has such a simple delviery, everything is so easy," Lovullo said of his team's returning pitcher. "It was great to see him go out there, compete, and help us win a baseball game," the Diamondbacks manager said of Rodriguez's first start with the club.

Eduardo Rodriguez should play a key part in the Diamondbacks' postseason push

As of Friday, the Arizona Diamondbacks hold an National League Wild Card spot, however, one of the reasons why we love baseball is its unpredictable nature. This is another reason why Eduardo Rodriguez's return to the rotation is so crucial for the D-backs.

"Eduardo Rodriguez on how his stuff felt in his season debut: "For the first time in almost a year since the last time I pitched in a real game, it feels great. I need to work a little bit more on the consistency of some of my pitches, but ... overall, velocity wise, location wise, it was perfect." - @PHNX_Dbacks

Given E-Rod's proven track record and World Series experience, he will be relied upon in the final weeks of the season. The impending return of fellow starter Merrill Kelly will also help Arizona down the stretch. If Rodriguez can continue to build upon his first start, he could be massive.