![\"Endy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Rodriguez-1120x630.jpg\")
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Endy Rodriguez plays during a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo\/Matt Slocum)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPittsburgh Pirates’ Endy Rodriguez plays during a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo\/Matt Slocum)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
This is one in a series breaking down players on the Pittsburgh Pirates\u2019 40-man roster.<\/p>\n
Endy Rodr\u00edguez cannot catch a break.<\/p>\n
Rodr\u00edguez underwent Tommy John surgery in the 2023-24 offseason and didn\u2019t play a game for the Pirates that ensuing season. He returned to the field this past year only to miss most of it with more injuries.<\/p>\n
Early in the year, Rodr\u00edguez suffered a right hand laceration that required stiches and took longer than expected to heal. After finally returning in June, the 25-year-old played in only three games before another elbow injury resulted in a second surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n
Shortly after the Pirates acquired Rodr\u00edguez from the New York Mets in a three-team trade, it looked like he would be a key piece of the team\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
Entering the 2023 season, Rodr\u00edguez was considered the 23rd-best prospect in the league by Baseball America and was ranked No. 55 by MLB Pipeline. He represented the Pirates in the Futures Game that season.<\/p>\n
Rodr\u00edguez\u2019s minor-league track record is strong. In 374 games across seven seasons and six levels, he owns a robust .292\/.381\/.503 batting line with 102 doubles, 16 triples, 53 home runs and 252 RBI. <\/p>\n
But his minor-league success has yet to translate to the big leagues. Rodr\u00edguez played in 57 games during his rookie season in 2023 and hit .220 with a .612 OPS, seven doubles, two triples, three home runs and 13 RBI. In 18 games in 2025, he hit just .173 with a .496 OPS.<\/p>\n
In addition to the promise he showed at the plate as a prospect, one of Rodr\u00edguez\u2019s most appealing attributes is the athleticism he possesses as a catcher. But considering he\u2019s now undergone two elbow surgeries to his throwing arm, there have to be serious concerns if he can continue his career as a catcher.<\/p>\n
While he\u2019s spent most of his career behind the plate, Rodr\u00edguez has also played games at first base, second base and all three outfield spots. <\/p>\n
But regardless of if he continues as a catcher or elsewhere, the biggest thing for Rodr\u00edguez is staying healthy and providing a boost to the offense by finally unlocking his potential.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Endy Rodriguez<\/a> Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> <\/p>\n