PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Is Wandy's rotation spot at risk?

Pittsburgh Pirates

When the season began, Edinson Vólquez (RHP, PIT) looked to be the starter most likely to lose his rotation spot, but he has gotten off to a strong start. In his first 21 innings of work, he allowed just four earned runs, and perhaps more importantly, just four walks. It remains to be seen if he can maintain the Ctl gains, but as long as he keeps pitching well, he'll remain in the rotation.

Instead, Wandy Rodriguez (LHP, PIT) has struggled out of the gate, and his manager is concerned about his velocity being down. His average fastball velocity hasn't topped 90 mph since 2009, but it's down a bit more than usual early on this year. He's allowed six home runs in 16 innings, thanks in part to a 29% hr/f. 

Rodriguez is...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Shane Drohan may be the most intriguing piece in the return for Caleb Durbin.
Mar 13 2026 3:05am
Top Twins prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will start 2026 at Triple-A, but seem likely to get a call-up at some point this season. Plus, saves in CHW, the Guardians' middle infield, an unknown Tiger, and Starling Marte and Lane Thomas in KC.
Mar 12 2026 3:05am
Top to bottom, the Washington Nationals have one of the youngest—and most high-variance—teams in baseball. Plus: SP in MIA; Profar fallout in ATL; C at NYM; RP in PHI; more.
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
With Jeremy Peña suffering a finger injury, the Astros may be shuffling things up in the infield to start the season.
Mar 11 2026 8:10am
Max Scherzer is among several AL East pitchers whose recent returns to the mound could have ripple effects on their team's rotation plans.
Mar 10 2026 3:05am

Tools