ANAHEIM, Calif. -- NESN broadcaster Jerry Remy told viewers back home as early as the first inning Monday afternoon in Anaheim, California, that rookie lefty Eduardo Rodriguez was tipping his pitches again, and Remy adamantly maintained that stance after the Red Sox's 11-1 loss to the Angels.
Red Sox manager John Farrell was just as emphatic that Rodriguez was not, and the pitcher agreed, though the pitcher is often the last to know.
A scout watching the game also said he saw no evidence of pitch-tipping.
“His pitches were up," the scout said. “He lacked command."
Rodriguez lasted five outs Monday, the shortest of his 10 big league starts. He was charged with seven runs on six hits and three walks, and he gave up long home runs to Kole Calhoun and Albert Pujols, though they looked like chip shots compared to the 452-foot blast David Freese unloaded on reliever Noe Ramirez in the fourth inning.
“I thought early on in the first inning, he was a little quick in his delivery, pushing the ball to his arm side,’’ Farrell said. “Then in the second inning, he left some pitches out over the plate, they were able to quick strike. It wasn’t a matter of tipping anything. That has been rectified.’’
After the game, Rodriguez huddled with bullpen coach Dana LeVangie over video of his outing.
“The location of the pitch was [supposed] to be down in the zone and it wasn’t,’’ he said. “Pretty much location today, with my fastball, slider and changeup.’’
The Angels attacked Rodriguez early in the count, especially in the seven-run second. Erick Aybar began the rally by hitting a 1-and-1 changeup for a leadoff single. Freese popped out on the first pitch. After C.J. Cron walked, Chris Iannetta knocked in the first run by singling on an 0-and-1 fastball. Daniel Robertson hit a ball over Hanley Ramirez’s head for a first-pitch double. Johnny Giavotella singled on a first-pitch changeup. Calhoun homered on a first-pitch fastball. Mike Trout lined out on a 1-and-0 changeup. Pujols homered on a 1-and-0 fastball.