Jun 8, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marco Estrada (25) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Game 3: Marco Estrada (3-3, 3.78 ERA) vs Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 0.44 ERA)
Estrada is doing exactly what Dickey is doing. With three straight quality starts he has proven a dependable innings eater. His WHIP of 1.20 is pretty decent considering he was sort of pegged as the long relief guy…and the guy who would be put in that roll once Daniel Norris returns. Estrada’s big weakness was giving up home runs and so far in 7 starts he has given up 6. That’s better but still giving up a homer per outing is a thorn in his side. He will be judged on his ability to throw strikes and keeping the ball in the park. A flyball pitcher, he better hope that most of those fly balls are hit to Kevin Pillar or Jose Bautista because Chris Colabello in left with the Green Monster could be an adventure.
Eduardo Rodriguez is a 22 year old rookie who is turning heads in Boston and beyond. His poise is amazing and he has a power fastball that gives hitters fits. In 20.1 innings he has given up one run (a home run by the Twins Brian Dozier), struck out 21 and hitters so far are hitting .116 against him. If he continues to dominate this way over the course of the season, look for him to be up there in the rookie of the year balloting.