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

The BHQ playing time metrics give us a new perspective on our previous beliefs about NL West players. So this week, let's see what we can learn.
May 16 2026 3:06am
Michael Conforto is playing more against righties during a hot streak, but the Cubs are trying to keep Moisés Ballesteros in the lineup against them as well
May 15 2026 3:05am
Using BaseballHQ's exclusive Playing Time Metrics to examine usage trends across the NL East.
May 14 2026 11:17am
Isaac Collins has struggled vs. LHP, and it might be time for the Royals to give Jac Caglianone another shot at everyday at-bats. Plus, Sam Antonacci's rise in CHW, Angel Martínez's platoon splits in CLE, an opportunity for Matt Vierling in DET, and why the Twins won't play Ryan Jeffers more.
May 14 2026 3:06am
Vaughn Grissom and Oswald Peraza are forcing the issue to change the platoon situation in Anaheim.
May 13 2026 3:05am

Tools