Detroit Tigers news: Eduardo Rodriguez to return, start Wednesday vs. A's

E-rod is set to return next week for the Detroit Tigers

When Eduardo Rodriguez was placed on the IL in late May with an injury to his left index finger, initial reports were that he could be out as long as 10 weeks. Now, it sounds like the Detroit Tigers are getting their ace back much sooner than originally expected.

According to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Rodriguez is set to return next week and start Wednesday against the Oakland A's. He will have only missed a little more than a month if he does indeed come off the IL on Wednesday.

Tigers plan is for Eduardo Rodriguez is to return and start Wednesday vs. the A’s. E-Rod could headline starters trade market if Detroit sells. Giolito, Bieber, perhaps Snell and Montgomery are among other possible top sell candidates.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 1, 2023

This is huge for the Tigers for a multitude of reasons. For starters, they get their best pitcher back. For a starting rotation that has been ravaged by injuries, getting him back will be huge.

Tarik Skubal is also set to come back this week, so that's two quality arms the Tigers are getting back at the right time.

The other big reason is something Heyman mentioned. E-rod could be a hot commodity ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. I doubt Shane Bieber will be moved, but E-rod ia a better pitcher right now than someone like Lucas Giolito or Jordan Montgomery.

The player option at the end of the year does complicate things a bit, but if he picks up where he left off before the injury, the Tigers should be able to get a pretty good return for E-rod. Quality left-handed starters don't come around too often at the deadline.

We'll talk about the kind of return they could get as we get closer to the trade deadline, but for now, getting Eduardo Rodrigue back is great news for the Detroit Tigers. It's nice to get some positive injury news for once.