Rodney recorded just two outs and surrendered five earned runs on six hits while taking his first loss and blown save of the season in Wednesday's 8-5 loss to the Padres.
Rodney had previously converted each of his first six save chances of the season, but frequently walked the tightrope in those outings, as evidenced by his 6.48 ERA and 1.56 WHIP heading into Wednesday. The other shoe finally dropped for Rodney, who couldn't protect a 5-3 lead entering the ninth inning. After retiring Austin Hedges on a groundout to open the frame, Rodney allowed two hitters to reach on singles before serving up a 439-foot three-run blast to Ryan Schimpf. Manager Torey Lovullo still intended to let Rodney finish the inning, but the 40-year-old couldn't even manage to do that, as he gave up another pair of singles and then allowed a two-run double before mercifully getting the hook. Despite his ERA now sitting at a bloated 11.00 for the season, Rodney's extensive experience in the ninth inning should afford him an opportunity to right the ship, but if he's unable to do so in his subsequent appearances, J.J. Hoover would seemingly be first in line to take over the closing duties.