Rodriguez (2-1) took the loss in his first MLB start against Texas on Tuesday after allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits, two walks and a hit batsman across six innings. He struck out seven.
All things equal, it was a promising first start for the young hurler, who made 13 appearances out of the Angels' bullpen earlier this year. Rodriguez wasn't exactly lighting up the minor leagues -- he gave up four runs in 4.2 innings in his most recent start and posted a 4.87 ERA across two levels -- but the 23-year-old has electric stuff and the sub-.500 Angels have nothing to lose by letting him spend the rest of the season in the rotation.