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Nationals Rumors: Henry Rodriguez Isn't Going Anywhere

By Blaine Blontz
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 18: Henry Rodriguez #63 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on April 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Nationals won the game 3-2. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 18: Henry Rodriguez #63 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on April 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Nationals won the game 3-2. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Getty Images

A Washington Nationals club official told Mark Zuckerman of Nats Insider that right-handed reliever Henry Rodriguez is not going anywhere.

The Nationals currently face a crowded bullpen and Rodriguez is out of minor league options. The right-hander has been inconsistent, but he’s still only 25-years-old, his fastball hits triple digits and he has what Zuckerman describes as a knee-buckling breaking ball.

Rodriguez, who’s currently on the disabled list and getting ready to go on rehab assignment, has struggled with his command this season as seen in his 6.0 BB/9. However, he has also shown above average strikeout ability (9.9 SO/9) and has held opposing hitters to an OPS of .628 on the season.

While Rodriguez would seem to be a possible trade chip for the Nationals this summer, Zuckerman says the club doesn’t want to give up on a reliever with such a dominant repertoire of pitches.

Over his four seasons at the major league level, Rodriguez has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.03 and 1.437 with 9.9 SO/9 and 5.6 BB/9.

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