The Pirates optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old catching prospect tore his way through the minors last season, slashing .323/.407/.590 between the High-A, Double-A and Triple-A levels. While he will begin 2023 in Triple-A, Rodriguez's offensive abilities, defensive versatility and Pittsburgh's lack of production behind the plate at the major-league level all make him a candidate to be called up early in the season.
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Pirates' Endy Rodriguez: Will be in major-league camp
Rotowire
Rodriguez will be on the major-league side of Pirates' camp this spring, per Justice delos Santos of MLB.com.
One of the top position-player prospects in the sport, Rodriguez slashed .323/.407/.590 with 25 home runs and 95 RBI in 125 games last season between High-A Greensboro, Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. The 22-year-old catcher seems doubtful to actually make the Opening Day roster in Pittsburgh, but he is certainly on the fast track to making his MLB debut.
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Pirates' Endy Rodriguez: Moves to 40-man roster
Rotowire
Rodriguez was added to the Pirates' 40-man roster Tuesday.
Rodriguez is one of the league's best catching prospects and finished 2022 at the Triple-A level despite beginning the season at High-A. He played in only six games at the highest level of the minors, but his .997 OPS on the season could push him toward making his MLB debut next year.
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Pirates' Endy Rodriguez: Bumped to Triple-A
Rotowire
Rodriguez was promoted from Double-A Altoona to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
Rodriguez has emerged as one of the game's best catching prospects this year, hitting .317/.406/.580 with 24 home runs, four steals, a 19.8 percent strikeout rate and an 11.8 percent walk rate in 119 games between High-A and Double-A. This promotion will allow him to keep playing in games following the conclusion of the Double-A season. Rodriguez, who has played in 17 games this year at second base to go along with his time at catcher and designated hitter, could debut in Pittsburgh next year.
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Pirates' Endy Rodriguez: Blasting off in Double-A
Rotowire
Rodriguez has slashed .357/.438/.696 with eight home runs, 14 doubles and 32 RBI through 29 games since his promotion to Double-A Altoona.
After crushing the ball to the tune of a .936 OPS in High-A, Rodriguez is sitting on a 1.134 mark at the higher level -- and, just as impressively, he's actually clipped his strikeout rate and raised his walk rate since the promotion. As a switch-hitting catcher who's flashing high-end contact ability and power as well as strong defensive ability, he's quickly grown into a must-roster prospect in dynasty formats. It's also possible the Pirates will move him off catcher, as he's seen significant time at second base and in left field and looked good at both positions. His bat will play anywhere.
