Phillies Release Reliever Francisco Rodriguez

The Phillies bullpen picture got a little clearer on Saturday afternoon.  The Phillies announced that they have released pitcher Francisco Rodriguez.  Rodriguez was in camp on a minor league deal and would have earned $2.5 million if he made the major league roster.

After Rodriguez allowed three hits and one earned run against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, the writing seemed to be on the wall.  Rodriguez made eight appearances for the Phillies this spring, pitching six and two-thirds innings.  Rodriguez struck out eight, but had an earned run average of 5.40.

Now 36 years old, the former all-star came to the Phillies with quite the resume.  Rodriguez is the active saves leader and fourth on the all-time saves leaders board behind Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman and Lee Smith.  Rodriguez has six All-Star game appearances to his credit.

Coming off of a tough season with the Detroit Tigers in 2017 in which we went 2-5 with a 7.82 earned run average, Rodriguez was hoping for one more shot.  It may it for the former closer, who becomes a free agent